Best Homemade Lemonade Ever
Nothing beats a tall glass of fresh homemade lemonade when the weather heats up. It's bright, refreshing, and perfectly balanced with just the right mix of sweetness and citrus. Whether you're relaxing outdoors, hosting a barbecue, or simply craving something cool, this easy lemonade recipe is a timeless favorite you'll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 cup water
- 9 medium lemons or more as needed
- 7 cups ice-cold water
- ice as needed
Instructions
- Pull out all your ingredients and equipment — a small saucepan, a citrus juicer, a liquid measuring cup, and a large pitcher. Getting everything ready before you start keeps the process quick and stress-free.
- Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until every grain of sugar has fully dissolved and the liquid just begins to bubble. Remove from heat and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before using.
- Roll each lemon firmly against the countertop with the palm of your hand — this breaks down the inner membranes and releases significantly more juice. Slice each lemon in half crosswise and squeeze into your measuring cup. Keep the pulp for extra flavor, but remove any seeds. Continue juicing until you have about 1½ cups of fresh juice and pulp.
- Pour 7 cups of ice-cold water into a large pitcher. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and pulp until fully combined. Add the cooled simple syrup a little at a time, tasting as you go, until the sweetness is exactly where you want it.
- Drop in ice cubes right before serving to keep the flavor concentrated and prevent dilution. Pour into tall glasses, garnish with a lemon wheel if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Real lemons only — fresh-squeezed juice delivers a brightness that bottled juice simply can't match
- Simple syrup = silky smooth sips — dissolving the sugar first means no gritty residue at the bottom of your glass
- Ready in 15 minutes — fast enough for surprise guests or a sudden craving
- Totally adjustable — dial the sweetness or tartness up or down to match your taste
- Just 3 core ingredients — lemons, sugar, water. Simple and pure.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 145
- Total Carbohydrate: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 0g
- Vitamin C: 17mg
- Sodium: 6mg
- Calcium: 9mg
- Potassium: 48mg