Lemonade Punch

This Lemonade Punch is the sip of summer your party didn’t know it needed. Sweet, citrusy, and ridiculously easy to mix up, it’s basically sunshine in a cup—minus the sunburn. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just need something fun to pour over ice, this one’s about to be your go-to.

This is easily one of our favorite summer punch recipes! Looking for more flavors? Try my Pink Lemonade Punch, Pineapple Punch, or Homemade Slushies!

pitcher filled with lemonade, ice and two lemon slices sitting on a cutting board with more lemon slices and a teal napkin off to the side


 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy party drink: This recipe comes together in minutes and serves a crowd—perfect for stress-free hosting.
  • Summer punch recipe: Light, refreshing, and made for warm weather gatherings like BBQs, picnics, or pool parties.
  • Kid-friendly beverages: A non-alcoholic drink everyone can enjoy—sweet, fizzy, and fun without being over the top.
  • Budget-friendly drink idea: With just a few ingredients, it’s a wallet-conscious way to serve something festive and delicious.

This Lemonade Punch is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward party drink. With just three simple ingredients, it comes together in minutes and disappears even faster. It’s sweet, fizzy, and totally refreshing, making it perfect for warm days, celebrations, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing drink without the fuss.

What I love most? It’s endlessly customizable. Use pink lemonade for a fun twist, toss in frozen fruit instead of ice, or add a splash of vodka for the grown-ups. However you mix it, this punch brings big flavor with barely any prep—just how summer should be.

Liter of sprite, container of Simply Lemonade, and Great Value Lemonade Concentrate sitting with lemon slices on a white counter

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need three simple ingredients to whip up this refreshing Lemonade Punch, but don’t let the short list fool you—each one pulls its weight in flavor. Here’s what to grab before you start mixing:

  • Lemonade Concentrate – This gives the punch a bold, zesty base. Frozen concentrate works best for that classic tart lemonade taste.
  • Lemonade (we like Simply) – Using a high-quality premade lemonade (like Simply) helps mellow out the concentrate and gives the punch a smooth, well-rounded flavor.
  • Soda (Sprite or 7Up) – Adds the fizz! Choose your favorite lemon-lime soda to bring sweetness and bubbles. For a less sweet version, try using club soda or sparkling water.

That’s it! Just three ingredients, and you’re already halfway to the perfect party drink. Keep reading for tips on serving and how to make it ahead.

Jesseca, author of One Sweet Appetite.

This is my go-to for summer parties, lazy BBQs, or any time I need a no-fail crowd-pleaser. It’s bright, bubbly, and takes maybe five minutes to throw together—faster than finding a playlist. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe (and usually a refill).


Tip from Jesseca:

Mix the lemonade base ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then just add the soda right before serving to keep the fizz fresh and party-ready.

Substitutions and Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? This punch is super flexible, which makes it perfect for customizing to your crowd (or your fridge contents). Here are a few easy swaps and fun upgrades:

  • Use pink lemonade for a fun twist and pretty color—especially cute for showers or brunches.
  • Try flavored sodas like raspberry ginger ale or lemon Italian soda for extra depth.
  • Make it a cocktail by adding vodka, rum, or prosecco—just taste and tweak as you go.
  • Add frozen fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or lemon slices to chill the punch without watering it down.

This recipe plays well with whatever you’ve got on hand, so don’t be afraid to get creative.

Lemonade concentrate being poured into a glass pitcher
Lemonade being poured into a glass pitcher

Lemonade Punch Recipe

This comes together in minutes and is basically effortless—perfect for when you’re juggling ten things before guests arrive.

  1. Slightly thaw the lemonade concentrate. Start by thawing your lemonade concentrate just enough to stir it.
  2. Combine with lemonade. Mix the concentrate with lemonade in your serving bowl or pitcher.
  3. Add soda. Slowly pour in the soda to keep it fizzy.
  4. Gently stir everything together and serve over ice.
  5. Serve and garnish. Optional but cute: garnish with lemon or lime slices.

That’s it! In less time than it takes to find your drink dispenser, you’ve got a bubbly, refreshing punch that’s party-ready.

Expert Recipe Tips

Chill everything first. Keep your lemonade, soda, and concentrate in the fridge (or freezer) before mixing. The colder the ingredients, the longer your punch stays refreshing without needing extra ice.

Pour soda last and slow. This keeps the carbonation from disappearing too quickly. Gently stir at the end so you don’t lose all those festive bubbles.

Use frozen fruit instead of ice. Toss in frozen lemon slices, strawberries, or raspberries to keep the punch cool without watering it down.

Double for a crowd. Hosting a big group? This recipe scales up easily—just use a larger container and mix right before guests arrive.

Add a garnish bar. Let guests add their own lemon wedges, fresh mint, or even a splash of flavored syrup for a fun twist.

Make it adult-friendly. A splash of vodka, rum, or prosecco turns this into a party punch. Just keep it clearly labeled if kids are around!

sprite being poured into a glass pitcher
Lemonade being stirred with a wooden spoon inside a glass pitcher

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This Lemonade Party Punch is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’re trying to get ahead of party prep (or you’ve got leftovers—lucky you), here’s how to handle it:

  • Make-Ahead: Mix the lemonade concentrate and prepared lemonade up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Wait to add the soda until just before serving to keep things nice and fizzy.
  • Leftovers: Store any extra punch in the fridge in an airtight pitcher. It’ll still taste great the next day, but expect the bubbles to fade. For a refresh, stir in a splash of fresh soda before serving again.
  • Pro tip: If you’re prepping for a crowd, freeze slices of lemon or lime ahead of time and use them as fruity ice cubes that won’t dilute your drink!
close up of a short glass filled with a light yellow liquid, ice, lemon slices, and mint

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different soda besides Sprite or 7Up?

Absolutely! Any lemon-lime soda works, or try ginger ale for a subtle spice. For a less sweet option, use club soda or sparkling water.

How do I keep the punch cold without watering it down?

Use frozen fruit like strawberries or lemon slices instead of ice. You can also freeze extra lemonade into cubes and use those!

Can I turn this into an alcoholic punch?

You sure can. Vodka, rum, or prosecco all work great. Start with 1–1.5 cups and adjust to taste. Just label it clearly if you’re serving kids too.

What if I can’t find lemonade concentrate?

No problem! Use extra lemonade in its place and adjust the flavor with fresh lemon juice or a splash of lemon syrup for extra zing.

How many people does this recipe serve?

One batch makes about 8–10 servings, depending on cup size. It’s easy to double or triple for larger gatherings.

close up of a short glass filled with a light yellow liquid, ice, lemon slices, and mint

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Lemonade Punch

Author Jesseca
Prep: 5 minutes
Serves: 12
This easy Lemonade Punch is made with just three ingredients and comes together in minutes! Sweet, fizzy, and perfect for parties, BBQs, or hot summer days. A crowd favorite that’s always a hit!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 (12oz) lemonade concentrate
  • 4 cup lemonade
  • 1 (2 liter) Sprite (or other lemon lime soda)

Instructions
 

  • Remove the lemonade concentrate from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, just until it softens enough to be stirred. It should still be slushy—not completely melted.
  • In a large punch bowl, beverage dispenser, or pitcher, add the slightly thawed concentrate and 4 cups of prepared lemonade. Stir well until fully combined.
  • Pour in 1 liter of Sprite (or your lemon-lime soda of choice) slowly. This keeps the carbonation from bubbling over and helps maintain the fizz in your punch.
  • Use a long spoon to give the mixture one final gentle stir—just enough to bring everything together without losing too much of the bubbly goodness.
  • Pour over ice if desired, and garnish with fresh lemon or lime slices for an extra pop of flavor and a pretty presentation.

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Course Drink Recipes
Cuisine American
pitcher filled with lemonade, ice and two lemon slices sitting on a cutting board with more lemon slices and a teal napkin off to the side. Text overlay reads "sparkling lemonade punch"

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