How to Make Homemade Fresh Lemonade
Once you try this homemade lemonade, you won’t want to make it any other way. It is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy and is loved by kids and adults alike.
I can’t think of a better cold drink to have in the summer time. This homemade fresh lemonade is refreshing and a nice sweet treat.
This lemonade can also be made ahead of time and frozen. You could even just freeze the concentrate (without most of the water) to take up less space in the freezer.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This just means if you click on a link to make a purchase, Our Future Homestead may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure policy here.
Ingredients for the Lemonade
- lemons
- sugar
- boiling water
You are going to use the lemons for two things. First you will either peel off the rind with a small knife (skip the white pith) or use a zester. I have a nice citrus zester for this and it makes it super easy.
The second part of the lemon is going to be the juice.
Small Batch
- lemons – 4
- 1 cup of sugar
- juice and pulp from the 4 lemons (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 cups water (1 cup should be boiling hot and the rest cold)
Large Batch
- lemons – 8
- 2 cup of sugar
- juice and pulp from the 8 lemons (about 1 cup)
- 8 cups water (1 cup should be boiling hot and the rest cold)
Step By Step Instructions for lemonade
1. Measure out the sugar and place in a small bowl or glass measuring cup with room for at least one extra cup.
2. Use a citrus zester to peel the lemons and place the zest into the bowl with the sugar. Give it a stir. The zest will need to sit with the sugar for at least a half an hour. I let mine sit for an hour or more to intensify the flavor.
3. Juice the lemons and measure out the juice.
4. When the zest has sat long enough in the sugar, pour in one cup of boiling water into the sugar and stir until the sugar has dissolved.
5. Use a strainer to remove the zest from the sugar water and discard the zest.
6. Mix the sugar water, lemon juice, and remaining water into a large jar or pitcher. Add ice and let cool down or enjoy right away.
Low Sugar Option
This is a great option with this recipe!
If you would like a lower sugar option, you could use up to 1/2 the amount of sugar and it still tastes great. This way is a bit more tart, but still has some sweetness to it. I actually like it with a little less sugar, but my kids prefer the recipe as above.
Other Flavor Options
This lemonade would be really great with the addition of fresh fruit such as:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Wild huckleberries
The fresh or frozen berries could work. You can either put them right into the glass or make up a syrup by mashing them up first.
Pin for Later
