Easy Simple Lemonade Recipe with 3 Fresh Ingredients You’ll Love
A quick and refreshing lemonade made with just fresh lemons, sugar, and water. Perfectly balanced, tangy, and sweet, this recipe is easy to make and ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 medium fresh lemons
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 5 cups (1.2 liters) cold water
- Optional: pinch of salt
- Optional: fresh mint leaves
- Optional: lemon slices
- Optional: sparkling water (to replace some or all cold water)
- Optional: honey or agave syrup (as sugar substitute)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar with 1 cup (240 ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
- Juice the lemons: Roll lemons on the counter, cut in half, and use a citrus juicer to extract about 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice. Remove seeds and strain if desired.
- Combine lemon juice and cooled simple syrup in a pitcher.
- Add 4 cups (960 ml) cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more water, lemon juice, or syrup as needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices or mint if desired.
Notes
Use fresh lemons for best flavor; avoid squeezing lemon peel to prevent bitterness. Make simple syrup first to avoid grainy texture. Chill lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving. Optional pinch of salt enhances flavor. Variations include adding mint, using sparkling water, or substituting sugar with honey or natural sweeteners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 0.3
Keywords: lemonade, fresh lemonade, simple lemonade, homemade lemonade, summer drink, refreshing drink, easy lemonade