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Summer isn’t complete without a delicious glass of lemonade! It’s really easy to make lemonade at home, so you might be tempted to make it every day. You can mix up a pitcher of homemade lemonade by combining the juice from 8 lemons with sugar and water. If you’re feeling fancy, play around with your recipe or add garnishes to create your own special twist on this favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 mL) of lemon juice (about 8 lemons)
- 1 cup (225 g) of sugar
- 6 cups (1.4 L) of water
- Ice (optional) [1] X Research source
(Makes 7 servings)
- 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of liquid stevia
- 6 tbsp (18 g) of granulated monk fruit sweetener
- 8 teaspoons (39 mL) of liquid monk fruit sweetener
- 5 to 6 cups (1.2 to 1.4 L) of club soda
- 1 tbsp (6 g) of dried lavender
- 1-2 cups (200-400 g) of pureed strawberries or raspberries
- 1 fl oz (30 mL) of liquor
- 6-7 sprigs of lavender, rosemary, or thyme
- 12-21 basil or mint leaves
- 2-3 sliced lemons or limes
- Jar of maraschino cherries
Steps
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Juice 8 lemons to get about 1 cup (240 mL) of lemon juice. Roll your lemons on the countertop to make them easier to juice. Next, cut your lemons in half and press them onto a lemon press over a pitcher or measuring cup. Twist the lemon halves over the press to get as much juice out as possible. [2] X Research source
- Microwave your lemons for 10-20 seconds to soften the pulp and get more juice.
- If you don't have a lemon press, squeeze the lemon to get most of the juice out. Then, press a fork or mixer beater into the lemon pulp and twist it to release the rest of the juice.
- You can get a lemon press at your local grocery or department store or online.
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Transfer the lemon juice into a large pitcher. If you like pulp in your lemon juice, pour the squeezed lemon juice directly into the pitcher. If you don’t like pulp, hold a strainer over the pitcher and pour the lemon juice over the strainer to catch the pulp. Then, empty the strainer into your compost or trash. [3] X Research source- Make sure your pitcher can hold at least 8 cups (1.9 L) of fluids.
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Pour 1 cup (225 g) of sugar into the lemon juice and stir to dissolve it. Since lemon juice is acidic, it can dissolve your sugar for you, which saves you a lot of work! Add the sugar directly into your lemon juice, then stir until the sugar dissolves. This should take about 3-4 minutes. [4] X Research source
- If you don’t want your lemonade to be as sweet, you can add less sugar. Try adding just 1/2 or 3/4 cup (112-165 g) of sugar.
- Don’t add your water until the sugar dissolves so that the lemon juice isn’t diluted. It will take the sugar longer to dissolve in diluted lemon juice.
Variation: You may prefer to use simple syrup instead of dissolving your sugar in the lemon juice because it's more traditional and may dissolve more of the sugar. To make simple syrup, add 1 cup (240 mL) of your water to a saucepan, then add 1 cup (225 g) of sugar. Warm the sugar water over medium heat for about 4 minutes to dissolve the sugar. Then, let it cool to room temperature before adding it to your lemonade. [5] X Research source
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Add 6 cups (1.4 L) of cool water to your pitcher. Measure out your water using a large measuring cup. Then, slowly pour your water into the pitcher. [6] X Research source
- It’s best to use cool water so that your lemonade will chill faster.
- If you made simple syrup, just add 5 cups (1.2 L) of water.
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Stir the lemonade with a large spoon to combine your ingredients. Use a large plastic or wooden spoon to mix your lemonade. Continue to stir until the color is uniform and you don't see more than a light dusting of sugar settled at the bottom of the pitcher. [7] X Research source
- You may see some sugar at the bottom of the pitcher, and that’s okay. However, you shouldn't see a cloud of sugar.
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Taste your lemonade to make sure you like it. Use a spoon to scoop out a sip of lemonade. Then, taste the lemonade to see if it tastes good to you. If your lemonade doesn’t taste right, try adding one of the following: [8] X Research source
- If the lemonade is too sour, add a few tablespoons of sugar.
- If the lemonade is too sweet, add the juice of half a lemon.
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Serve your lemonade over ice so it’s chilled. If you want to serve your lemonade immediately, it’ll taste best over ice. Place a couple of ice cubes in your glass, then pour your lemonade over it. Drink it immediately so the ice doesn’t melt and dilute your lemonade. [9] X Research source
- After your lemonade is cold, it’s up to you if you want to use ice. If you don’t like ice, it’s okay to skip it.
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Store your lemonade in your refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover your pitcher with a lid or a sheet of plastic wrap. Then, put it into the refrigerator. It’ll keep for about 4-5 days. [10] X Research source
- Stir your lemonade before you serve it so that the ingredients will be mixed well. It’s normal for them to separate while the lemonade sits in the refrigerator.
Tip: If you’re waiting for your lemonade to chill, it’ll be cool in about 3 hours.
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Make sugar-free lemonade using a sugar substitute. If you’re watching your sugar intake, classic homemade lemonade might not be on your menu. However, you don’t have to miss out on this refreshing treat! Simply replace the sugar in the recipe with your favorite sugar substitute. For instance, try 1 of the following:
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Use sparkling water to create fizzy lemonade. Instead of using regular water, use chilled club soda to make your lemonade fizzy. Pour the carbonated water slowly so it won’t bubble over. Then, stir your ingredients to combine them. [13] X Research source
- Try plain sparkling water or use flavored sparkling water to create a unique blend. For instance, strawberry sparkling water could make strawberry-lemonade, peach seltzer will make peach-lemonade, and lemon-flavored sparkling water will enhance the flavor of your lemonade.
- If you’re making simple syrup, use regular water to make it. Then, replace the rest of your water with sparkling water.
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Add 1 tbsp (6 g) of dried lavender to make lavender lemonade. To make lavender lemonade, you’ll need to make simple syrup. Add 1 cup (240 mL) of your water to a saucepan. Then, add 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (6 g) of dried lavender flowers and 1 cup (225 g) of sugar to the water. Heat your ingredients over medium heat for 4 minutes to make your syrup. Then, strain the water over your pitcher to remove the lavender. [14] X Research source
- The lavender-infused lemonade will not be purple. If you want to create a lavender color, add 1-2 drops of purple food coloring and stir. If you do not have purple food coloring, add 1 drop of red food coloring and 1 drop of blue food coloring. Be sure to stir the lemonade well to blend all of the colors.
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Mix in 1-2 cups (200-400 g) of pureed strawberries for berry lemonade. There are 2 ways to add strawberries to your lemonade. If you’re making simple syrup, use 1 cup (200 g) of strawberry puree in place of water when you make your simple syrup. Alternatively, mix 2 cups (400 g) of pureed strawberries into your lemonade after you mix it. Stir until the strawberries are well-blended. [15] X Research source
- If you're adding strawberries to your lemonade after you mix it, you don't need to replace any of the water. Just add the strawberries to the prepared lemonade.
- Let your strawberry lemonade sit for a few minutes before you serve it to give the strawberry juices time to mix with the lemonade.
Variation: Try raspberries in place of strawberries for a fun variation.
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Add 1 fl oz (30 mL) of vodka, rum, tequila, or bourbon for adult lemonade. You can make homemade hard lemonade by adding your favorite liquor. Pour vodka, rum, tequila, or bourbon into a shot glass or measuring cup. Then, add it to a glass of lemonade. Stir the lemonade to combine them into a refreshing adult drink. [16] X Research source
- Play around with different types of liquor to see which you like the best.
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Garnish your glass with fresh herbs or fruit slices. If you’re having a party or just want to feel fancy, garnishing your glass can make your lemonade look fancier. Choose a special glass, add sprigs of herbs, or use fruit slices. Here are some ideas:
- Slip a short sprig of lavender, rosemary, or thyme into each glass.
- Drop 2-3 fresh mint or basil leaves into the lemonade.
- Cut a slit into lemon or lime slices, then slide 1 onto each glass.
- Slice the bottom of a strawberry and push it down onto the rim of the glass.
- Serve the lemonade in mason jars and add a colorful paper straw for a rustic touch.
- Serve the lemonade in a tall glass with a paper umbrella and a maraschino cherry for a tropical refreshment.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat if I don't have any lemons, but have limes?Community AnswerYou could make a tasty limeade, then. Follow the instructions in the article, but use limes.
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QuestionCan I use bottled lemon juice?Community AnswerYou can, but since bottled lemon juice isn't diluted, you may want to play around with the amount of water that you add until the taste is right.
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QuestionWhat if it tastes dry in my mouth?Community AnswerYou can try making it again with less sugar, because sometimes lots of sugar makes things dry.
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Tips
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Thanks
- If you're using Meyer lemons, you may need less sugar, as Meyer lemons tend to be sweeter.Thanks
- If you're worried about the ice diluting the lemonade, consider pouring some lemonade into an ice cube tray and freezing it. Use these lemonade ice cubes instead of regular ice cubes in your drink.Thanks
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Warnings
- Lemon juice will burn if you get it in your eye. Be careful as you squeeze your lemons so they don’t squirt. If you get juice in your eyes, rinse them thoroughly.Thanks
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Things You'll Need
- Bowl or measuring cup
- Citrus squeezer or hand juicer
- Pitcher
- Saucepan (if making simple syrup)
- Strainer
- Large plastic or wooden spoon
- Glass
- Straw (optional)
- Tiny umbrella (optional)
References
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/lemonade-from-scratch-258369
- ↑ https://www.yummymummykitchen.com/2014/02/sugar-free-lemonade-recipe.html
- ↑ https://www.buttertogetherkitchen.com/sugar-free-keto-lemonade-single-glass-recipe/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sparkling-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- ↑ https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-make-lemonade/
- Videos provided by Allrecipes
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make classic lemonade, first cut about 6 lemons in half and juice them using a simple hand juicer. If you don’t have a juicer or lemons, you can use 1 and three quarters cups of bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons. Set the lemon juice aside and mix 2 and a half cups of sugar with a cup of water in a large pot. Heat the mixture on the stove over medium heat for 4 minutes, or until the sugar completely dissolves into a clear, thick syrup. Once the sugar is dissolved, turn off the burner and mix in the lemon juice and another 1 and three quarters cups of water. Finally, pour the mixture into a heat-proof pitcher and refrigerate it for at least an hour. When you’re ready to serve your lemonade, pour it over ice for a classic, refreshing drink. To learn how to make quick lemonade with a blender, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I decided to buy a bag of lemons when I went to the fruit market. I remembered home made lemonade that I drank as a kid. After just a bit of research I came across your article. Awesome recipe! Just like my 80 year old mom used to make when I was a kid!" ..." more
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"I decided to buy a bag of lemons when I went to the fruit market. I remembered home made lemonade that I drank as a kid. After just a bit of research I came across your article. Awesome recipe! Just like my 80 year old mom used to make when I was a kid!"
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"This article has 3 different good recipes that make yummy fresh lemonade. Way better than store-bought, and I love how this article has different varieties of lemonade to pick from. They are all easy, too."
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"The part with the old fashioned lemonade, melting the sugar water helped the most. Usually when I made classic lemonade, the sugar doesn't dissolve, and it's too sour."
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"This is great! I really loved the flavors! Delicious! I used this for a lemonade stand and it turned out great! People loved it!"
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"What helped me the most in this article was to roll the lemons before cutting or squeezing so the lemon juice comes out easier."
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