This easy homemade Lemonade recipe is perfect for summer! It’s fresh and tangy, includes flavor variations, plus tips and creative uses for simple syrup.
Summer is here — and nothing says it better than a cold, homemade lemonade! My family requests this sweet and tangy sipper every season, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why.
(For me, a glass of my Cold Brew Coffee runs a close second!)
Why make homemade lemonade?
Homemade lemonade is much easier than you think! You’ll start with a simple citrusy syrup, then build from there. The store-bought stuff works in a pinch, but nothing beats a fresh, homemade glass.
I’ve also included strawberry and blueberry lemonade variations, and the recipe is endlessly customizable — feel free to get creative!
If this lemonade is a hit, try some of my other summer favorites: Frozen Hot Chocolate, Frozen Lemonade, or Berry Lime Slush!
How to make Lemonade:
- Choose juicy lemons: Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size and choose medium to large-sized fruit.
- Dewax before zesting (optional): Pour boiling water over lemons, scrub with a vegetable brush, rinse, and dry. This is not needed but gives the best flavor!
- Get maximum juice: Roll firmly before juicing.
- Chill before serving: Lemonade tastes best ice cold — allow plenty of chilling time.
Variations on this Lemonade Recipe:
- Try my Strawberry Lemonade or Blueberry Lemonade.
- Blend lemonade with ice for a frosty frozen treat!
- Add your favorite fruit to the simple syrup — peaches, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, mango, or pineapple all work beautifully.
- Substitute sparkling water for regular water in the final step.
- Freeze lemonade in ice cube trays and add to iced tea or sparkling water.
- Make lemonade popsicles — freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing treat the whole family will love.
- Try my Easy Homemade Pink Lemonade — perfect for summer days, birthday parties, and baby showers!
More cold drink recipes to try:
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie — perfect for breakfast on the go.
- Pineapple Smoothie — full of fiber and so refreshing.
- Sensational Strawberry Lemon Slush — the kids love this one!
- Strawberry Frappuccino (Starbucks Copycat) — a must make!
Homemade Lemonade recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 4 cups water, divided
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3-5 lemons*
- 1 cup ice cubes
Strawberry Lemonade Add-ins
- 2 cups fresh or frozen chopped strawberries
Blueberry Lemonade Add-ins
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Instructions
- Use a vegetable peeler to peel the lemon zest into strips. Set lemons aside.
- Lemon simple syrup: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, bring 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar and lemon zest strips to a boil (*To make strawberry or blueberry lemonade, add berries here as well).
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer until sugar is dissolved and liquid is syrupy, about 5-8 minutes. (If berries were added, mash gently before straining to release the juices) Strain and refrigerate syrup until needed.
- Juice lemons and add 1 cup lemon juice to a large pitcher (reserve any extra so you can adjust the flavor to your tastes).
- Add 1 cup ice cubes, remaining 3 cups water, and lemon simple syrup. Stir to combine and garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired. Refrigerate until chilled.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebelOther uses for simple syrup:
- Experiment with flavors: Try orange or lime peel, any berry, dried rose petals, lavender, fresh herbs, or sliced ginger root.
- Make honey syrup: Substitute 1 cup of honey for the sugar and prepare as directed.
- Add to seltzer: A drizzle of syrup and a handful of frozen fruit makes a refreshing, not-too-sweet drink.
- Dress fruit salad: Toss with a small amount of syrup and let sit 20 minutes before serving.
- Moisten cake layers: Brush onto each cake layer with a pastry brush to prevent drying.
- Sweeten iced tea: Simple syrup dissolves perfectly in cold beverages — no more undissolved sugar granules!
Lorre says
Very good including all the variations. Thank you
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Harkin says
Great recipe. Easy. Family always asks for this in the Summer.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Harkin! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Lily says
Wow, is the only word I have. I made all three versions for our backyard BBQ and we loved them, they are the perfet addition to any summer night!
Ashley Fehr says
thanks Lily!
Suzy says
This is incredibly good! So easy and love that there are three different flavors that can be made!
Ashley Fehr says
thanks Suzy!
wilhelmina says
Love this summer essential! It is perfectly sweet and tart, I can’t wait to try the blueberry version!
Ashley Fehr says
I think the blueberry is my favorite!
Sydnie says
Such a refreshing yummy drink! Thanks for sharing!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sydnie!
Geri says
Where is the recipe!!!! It is totally incomplete
Ashley Fehr says
If you scrolled this far to leave a comment, I’m honestly surprised you missed the big pink box with the recipe in it.