Lemonade sure hits the spot on hot days and homemade lemonade is even better! This recipe is for a single serving that can easily be multiplied to share or to keep a jug-full handy in the fridge! Sweetened with simple syrup, the only other ingredients you need are lemon juice and water! Once you realize how easy it is to make lemonade, you'll be making it all the time!
This recipe was inspired by other homemade cold drinks like my Iced Matcha Tea Latte and Fresh Fruit Sparklers. I'm also keen on making my own refreshing drinks in the summer instead of spending money on sugar-laden ones from the store!
Ingredients
- Fresh lemons
- Simple Syrup (sugar and water)
- Water
- Ice cubes
- Optional Garnishes: lemon slices
How To Make Homemade Lemonade
Firstly, you'll need to make simple syrup which is as simple as mixing equal parts hot water and sugar. Stir the water and sugar until all the sugar dissolves and you are left with a clear liquid.
Using equal parts sugar to hot water, combine them in a measuring cup.
Stir the sugar until it is completely dissolved and the syrup is clear. Set aside.
Top Tip #1: I will usually do 1 cup of just boiled water and 1 cup of sugar. After allowing it to cool to room temperature, I transfer the simple syrup to a bottle and store it in the fridge so it's ready to use whenever I need it.
Cut the lemon in half.
Squeeze the juice from each half lemon, either using your hand or a juicer.
Pour the lemon juice through a fine mesh strainer into a measuring cup to get the correct amount of juice.
Use a spoon to stir through the pulp and seeds to get all the juice out.
Pour the lemon juice into a serving glass (I recommend a 16 oz. glass).
Add cold water and stir; and ice cubes. Add simple syrup to the lemonade, starting with one tablespoon before adding more, if desired.
Top Tip #2: Before cutting the lemon in half, roll the lemon back and forth a few times between your palm and the counter, pressing gently as you roll the lemon. This will make juicing the lemon easier.
Variations to Your Lemonade
Straight lemonade with slices of lemon for garnish is classic and delicious, but you can add another layer of flavor to your drink really easily!
- Add freeze-dried strawberries to make strawberry lemonade! Other freeze-dried fruit would be great, too! Bonus is that the freeze-dried fruit also adds some sweetness.
- Add seasonal fresh fruit to complement the tart lemon flavor. I suggest mashing the fruit just a bit to help release some of the juices and sugars into the lemonade.
- For a different flavor profile, add a couple slices of cucumber.
- Instead of water, mix the lemon juice with other juices like orange juice, pineapple juice, grape juice...or even beet juice!
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
Try out these other drink recipes to keep cool during the summer months or anytime you want something cold and refreshing!
More Lemon Recipes
If you love lemons, consider making Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs for dinner, and then end the meal with Luscious Lemon Pudding for a dessert! Different uses for lemons, but both delicious!
Commonly Asked Questions
Sugar has the most neutral taste, but you can definitely use a different sweetener like honey, maple syrup, agave, etc. These sweeteners will obviously affect the flavor of the lemonade. You can also make a simple syrup.
The advantage to using simple syrup is that the sugar is already dissolved. It immediately adds sweetness to your drink without having sugar settle at the bottom of your glass.
Simply multiply all the ingredient quantities by the number of servings you would like to make! Adjust the number of servings in the recipe card below so you take the guesswork out of measuring!
When you're in the mood for homemade lemonade and you want it NOW, this is the recipe for you! This single serving recipe takes the guesswork out of figuring out how to make it one glass for yourself, and it's easily scalable to make a larger batch! Make homemade lemonade is easier than you think and this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
~ Lisa.
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup cold water
- Simple Syrup to taste
- Ice cubes
Optional:
- Lemon slices
- Freeze-dried strawberries
- Cucumber slices
Equipment
Notes
- ¼ cup of lemon juice can come from 1 or 1 ½ lemons, depending on size and how juicy they are.
- Bottled lemon juice can be used if you don't have any fresh lemons on hand.
- Simple syrup can be kept in a bottle in the fridge for about a month.
- I use 1 - 1 ½ tablespoons of simple syrup per serving, but adjust according to your taste.
- Add freeze-dried strawberries, cucumber slices, mint leaves, lemon slices, fresh fruit to your lemonade to add another layer of flavor and to fancy it up!
- Substitute the water with juice like orange juice, pineapple juice, beet juice, etc.
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