Homemade Lemonade Like My Mom Used to Make
There’s just something about a glass of homemade lemonade that hits different—especially when it’s made the way my mom used to make it. Simple, refreshing, and not too tart, this is the kind of easy lemonade recipe you remember all summer long. It’s not fancy or complicated. It’s just good.
I used to watch my mom squeeze the lemons by hand and mix it all up in a big glass pitcher. Often she’d float a few lemon slices on top, and we’d drink it outside on warm afternoons. Those are the kinds of memories that stick.
So here it is—our version of old-fashioned homemade lemonade, the way it’s been made in our family for years.
📌 Save This Recipe for Later! Planning to make this refreshing lemonade? Save it to your favorite Drinks or Summer Recipes board on Pinterest!
Ingredients for Homemade Lemonade
(Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below!)
- Fresh lemons
- Granulated sugar
- Cold water
- Ice
- Optional: lemon slices for serving
How to Make Homemade Lemonade Step by Step
1. Juice the lemons
Use about 5-6 lemons for a strong lemon flavor. Roll them on the counter first to release more juice, then cut and squeeze into a bowl or directly into your pitcher. This is the key to a truly fresh homemade lemonade with fresh lemons.
2. Mix with sugar
Stir in the sugar while the lemon juice is still room temperature—it dissolves faster that way. Taste and adjust if needed.
3. Add cold water and stir
Once the sugar is fully dissolved, pour in the rest of the water. Stir well.
4. Add lemon slices and chill
Float a few fresh lemon slices in the pitcher. Let it sit in the fridge for several hours. As the lemonade rests, the oils from the lemon rind infuse into the drink, intensifying the lemon flavor and giving it a unique, vibrant taste that sets this best lemonade recipe apart from others.
5. Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Lemonade
Pour over ice and enjoy. Add extra lemon slices for garnish if you’d like.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the sweetness to taste. If you like it tangier, use less sugar. If it’s too tart, just stir in a little more.
- No juicer? Use a fork to twist inside the lemon halves and get every last drop.
- Make a simple syrup if you prefer. Dissolve the sugar in a small amount of hot water first, then mix it into the lemon juice and cold water.
- Make it ahead. This homemade lemonade tastes even better after a few hours of chilling, as the lemon slices infuse extra flavor.
Try a Twist
Want to change things up? Here are a few easy variations:
- Peach Lemonade: Add a few spoonfuls of canned peach syrup or puree a few peach slices and stir them in.
- Mint Lemonade: Add fresh mint leaves to the pitcher before chilling.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Replace some of the water with club soda or sparkling mineral water.
- Low-Sugar Lemonade: Reduce the sugar or substitute with honey for a homemade lemonade with honey variation.
Want to explore even more variations? Check out these fun lemonade recipes for fruity or sparkling inspiration.
Homemade Lemonade FAQ
How do you make homemade lemonade?
Fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water—that’s all you need. Start by squeezing fresh lemons, stirring the juice with sugar until dissolved, and then adding cold water to taste.
What is the formula for lemonade?
The basic formula is about 1 part lemon juice to 4 parts water, sweetened to taste. You can adjust depending on how tart or sweet you like it.
How much lemon juice do you need for 1 gallon of lemonade?
For a gallon, you’ll need about 1 to 1½ cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus around 1 to 1½ cups of sugar depending on your sweetness preference.
Can you make homemade lemonade without sugar?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute for a homemade lemonade no sugar option.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This lemonade might not be the most unique recipe on the internet, but it’s one that means something to me—and I hope it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day too. Whether you’re sipping it on the porch, packing it for a picnic, or serving it up at brunch, there’s nothing like the taste of fresh, simple lemonade made at home.
If you love easy homemade drinks, you might also enjoy my Southern Sweet Tea Recipe or my Microwave Hot Cocoa Recipe.
Looking for an affordable way to feed your dog real, healthy food? This homemade dog stew post shows how to batch cook budget-friendly meals your pup will love—no pricey ingredients or fancy tools required.
Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 5-6 medium lemons about 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water plus extra ice for serving
- Optional: lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Roll the lemons on the counter to release more juice. Cut and squeeze them into a large pitcher until you have about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Stir the sugar into the lemon juice while still at room temperature, mixing until fully dissolved.
- Add the cold water and stir well to combine.
- Slice an additional lemon and float the slices in the pitcher.
- Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for several hours to allow the flavors to intensify as the oils from the lemon slices infuse the drink.
- Serve over ice, adding extra lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar for a sweeter lemonade or reducing the sugar for a tangier drink.
- For smoother lemonade, make a simple syrup by dissolving the sugar in a small amount of hot water before mixing with the lemon juice and cold water.
- The lemonade tastes even better after several hours of chilling, as the lemon rind naturally enhances the lemon flavor.
- For a variation, stir in pureed peaches, fresh mint, or substitute part of the water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- To make a low-sugar version, replace part or all of the sugar with honey or a sugar substitute.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1–1½ tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cold water
- Ice
- Mix lemon juice and sugar until dissolved, add cold water, and stir. Serve over ice.
Give Us a Shout Out!
If you try this easy homemade lemonade, I’d love to hear what you think! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out.
