Print

Classic Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup

A tall, sweating glass filled with bright yellow homemade lemonade, crushed ice, and lemon slices.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the best homemade lemonade using freshly squeezed lemons and simple syrup for a perfect sweet and tart balance. This easy recipe yields a refreshing pitcher perfect for summer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
  • 3 cups cold water (for mixing)
  • Ice cubes
  • Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the simple syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  2. Squeeze the lemons to yield 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove pulp and seeds.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
  4. Add 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine all ingredients.
  5. Taste the lemonade. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup if you have extra. If you prefer it tarter, add a splash more lemon juice.
  6. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  7. Serve the sweet and tart lemonade over ice, garnished with fresh lemon slices.

Notes

  • For a gallon of lemonade, multiply all ingredients by 1.5.
  • For pink lemonade, add 1/4 cup of cranberry juice or a few drops of red food coloring to the mixture.
  • This recipe uses fresh squeezed lemonade techniques for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://devourdish.com/easy-homemade-lemonade-recipe-best/