Easily the BEST lemonade recipe. Made with only 3 ingredients and in 10 minutes! Perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day!
Perfect Lemonade Recipe
I loooove lemonade. It is my go-to during the summer. It is so versatile. Add a little mint, fresh fruit, half iced tea… The options are endless making it the very best drink recipe.
But all of that has to start somewhere. This base for regular ol’ lemonade is incredible. No grit, no sticky aftertaste, not too sweet, not too tart… It is perfect.
Did I mention it also has a two thumbs up rating from my kiddo? That is a highly sought after honor in the One Sweet Appetite home. Especially since this kid is a ‘water only’ kind of person. Watching him guzzle a glass or two is simply adorable.
How many lemons do you need to make homemade lemonade?
THIS is the big question. Since the recipe calls for fresh squeezed lemon juice, you are going to need to know how many lemons to purchase. I have found that 5-6 large lemons get me exactly 1 cup of juice. In order to get the 1-1/2 cups called for you will need anywhere from 8 to 10 lemons.
Here’s a quick tip: Soak your lemons in warm water for 5 ish minutes. From there, roll each gently on the counter and juice. Soaking and rolling makes the juicing process a little less difficult and helps get every last drop from your fruit.
How long does homemade lemonade last?
If stored properly, fresh lemonade will last 5-7 days. Disclaimer, chances of you not drinking the entire pitcher in one day is slim. Especially if you bring it to a BBQ, pool party, picnic, or any other outdoor event.
Ingredients to make real lemon lemonade:
- Granulated Sugar
- Lemon Zest
- Lemon Juice
- Water
How to make fresh squeezed lemonade with lemon juice:
- Gather all of your ingredients. There aren’t many, 3 total, so bust out those lemons, water and sugar.
- Add 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar is dissolved and just simmering. Remove from the burner and allow to come to room temperature.
- While your simple syrup is cooling, you can juice your lemons. Slice each in half and place into a lemon juicer. Give a good squeeze. Keep going until you get 1-1/2 cups of lemon juice.
- Place 1/4 cup of sugar and lemon zest in the bottom of a large pitcher. Mash with the back of a spoon until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice until dissolved. Add the remaining seven cups of water.
Consider mixing half lemonade with half iced tea. It is the most delicious summer time drink!
Like this recipe? You will love my:
The BEST Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cup sugar divided
- Finely grated zest of 1/2 lemon
- 1-1/2 cups lemon juice
- 8 cups water divided
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup water in a small pan. Heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the stove and cool.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and lemon zest in the bottom of a large pitcher. Mash with the back of a spoon until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice until dissolved. Add the remaining seven cups of water.
- Serve over ice.
Nutrition
Equipment
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