What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade lemonade is perfect for warm afternoons or whenever you need a revitalizing sip. You’ll adore its simple ingredients and how easy it is to make. Plus, it’s customizable to your taste—add more sugar for sweetness or extra lemons for a tangy kick. Best of all, it’s a fun recipe to share with family or friends, creating smiles with every sip. It’s like sunshine in a glass, ready whenever you are!
Recipe
There’s nothing quite as invigorating as a glass of homemade lemonade on a hot day. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this classic drink that’s both tangy and sweet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Make the simple syrup by combining 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Squeeze the lemons to extract 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or pulp.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more water or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired.
Notes:
- For a stronger lemon flavor, reduce the amount of water added to dilute the lemonade.
- Adjust the sugar quantity to suit your taste preferences.
Equipment:
- Small saucepan
- Pitcher
- Lemon squeezer or juicer
- Strainer
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 minutes
Cuisine:
Beverage
Serving:
Makes about 6 servings
Nutrition
This lemonade recipe provides essential vitamins and low-calorie refreshment.
| Nutrients | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 99 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 1mg |
| Total Carbs | 26g |
| Sugars | 24g |
| Protein | 0g |
| Vitamin C | 18mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade lemonade with light snacks, like crackers or cheese bites, because they balance the drink’s tanginess perfectly. Fresh fruits, such as watermelon or berries, also make a revitalizing side, adding extra sweetness and color to the spread. It’s a simple combo that always feels like a treat on a warm day.
Light Snacks
A cold glass of lemonade pairs perfectly with a handful of light, easy snacks that won’t overshadow its zesty flavor. I love serving buttery shortbread cookies—their subtle sweetness complements the tartness without being too heavy. Saltine crackers with a smear of cream cheese add a nice contrast, while cucumber sandwiches with dill keep things invigorating. For a crunch, try lightly salted popcorn or pita chips with hummus. These options are simple, satisfying, and let the lemonade shine. Trust me, they’re crowd-pleasers that’ll keep everyone sipping and snacking happily without feeling stuffed. Just grab a plate and enjoy!
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits make a bright, juicy match for homemade lemonade, keeping things light and invigorating just like those snacks we talked about. I love pairing lemonade with watermelon slices—they’re sweet, hydrating, and perfect for hot days. Berries, like strawberries or blueberries, add a pop of color and a tangy twist. Pineapple chunks bring tropical vibes, while grapes offer a revitalizing crunch. Don’t forget citrus—orange wedges or grapefruit halves echo lemonade’s zing. It’s all about balance: the fruit’s natural sweetness complements the tartness of the drink. Simple, fresh, and delicious—that’s how I like it.
