Perfect Homemade Lemonade Recipe Easy Sweet-Tart Drink for Summer
A quick and easy homemade lemonade recipe that balances sweet and tart flavors perfectly, ideal for refreshing summer days and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 medium fresh lemons (to yield about 1 cup / 240 ml fresh lemon juice)
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water (for simple syrup)
- 4 cups (960 ml) cold water (for dilution)
- Ice cubes (to serve)
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves (for garnish or infusing)
- Optional: Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar with 1 cup (240 ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar fully dissolves (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Juice the lemons: Cut lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer to yield about 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds or strain later.
- Combine lemon juice and syrup: Pour the cooled simple syrup and lemon juice into a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix.
- Add cold water: Pour in 4 cups (960 ml) cold water to the pitcher. Stir gently and taste. Adjust by adding more water or syrup if needed.
- Chill and serve: Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher or glasses. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 days.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor. Dissolve sugar fully in warm water to avoid gritty texture. Adjust sweetness and tartness gradually. Strain seeds for a smoother drink. Refrigerate up to 2 days; flavors improve after a few hours chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 ounces / 24
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0.2
Keywords: lemonade, homemade lemonade, summer drink, sweet-tart drink, refreshing beverage, simple syrup, fresh lemons