Lemonade Recipe

You’ll want to make this homemade Lemonade Recipe on repeat all summer long! It’s so simple and so refreshing.

a glass pitcher with lemonade, lemon slices, and ice cubes

Summer is all about the cold drinks from iced tea to iced coffee. This easy lemonade recipe is a classic that is best enjoyed when poured over a tall glass of ice!

lemons, lemon juice, a knife and a citrus squeezer

Start by squeezing the lemon juice from about six lemons. To make this step easier I love using my citrus juice press. Simply cut washed lemons in half and place one half in the citrus squeezer.

Place the juice press on a flat surface and press to squeeze out the juice. Pour the lemon juice into a cup via the little spout on the squeezer. Then discard the rind, pulp, and seeds.

pouring lemon juice into pitcher of water

Pour water, lemon juice, and granulated sugar into a pitcher.

Could I add other citrus juice to this lemonade recipe?

We only used freshly squeezed lemon juice when we made this lemonade recipe but it is also delicious with other citrus juices added to it. Try substituting some of the lemon juice with freshly squeezed lime juice and orange juice for a yummy alternative.

stirring liquid in pitcher with a wooden spoon

Stir until combined and store in the refrigerator.

Can I use a sugar substitute in this lemonade recipe?

Yes, you can replace all or part of the granulated sugar called for in this lemonade recipe with your favorite sugar substitute. Check the label instructions on your sugar substitute package for details about how much to use.

lemon slices floating in pitcher with ice cubes

When ready to serve, add ice cubes and lemon slices to the pitcher. We love using the pellet ice we make with our countertop ice maker.

topdown view of a pitcher of lemonade on a tray

Place the pitcher of lemonade on a tray for serving with glasses, lemon slices, ice cubes, and straws.

Lemonade Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

Are lemonade the same as lemon water?

No lemonade and lemon water are not the same thing. Lemonade is a mixture of lemon juice, sugar, and water. On the other hand, lemon water is simply water with lemon juice squeezed into it.

Why is lemonade not a juice?

Lemonade is not a juice because it is mixed with water and sugar, unlike orange juice with can be enjoyed freshly squeezed.

Can you freeze lemonade?

Yes, you can freeze lemonade. Pour the lemonade into a popsicle mold and make lemonade pops. Or make lemonade ice cubes to add to freshly made lemonade.

two glasses of lemonade with a pitcher in the behind them

Put ice cubes in a cup and fill it with lemonade. Garnish with a slice of lemon and add a striped paper straw.

How can I flavor lemonade?

This classic lemonade recipe is delicious but what about adding other flavors to switch things up on occasion? Here are a few ideas:

Strawberry Lemonade: Stir in strawberry sauce or strawberry syrup.
Mint Lemonade: Add sprigs of fresh mint.
Vanilla Lemonade: Stir in vanilla syrup.
Raspberry Lemonade: Add raspberry sauce or raspberry syrup.

Want more drink recipes? Try these next:

This easy Sweet Tea Recipe is super smooth and refreshing! You’ll want to keep a pitcher of this southern sweet tea in the fridge all summer long.

This easy Orange Whip recipe is an Orange Julius copycat. It’s a delicious way to cool down on a hot summer day!

These RedBull drinks recipes are non-alcoholic beverages that are fun for every occasion. My daughters love testing new flavors and here are some favorites.

Passion Tea Lemonade is the perfect drink for a hot summer day. This Starbucks copycat recipe is super easy to make with only two ingredients.