during the summer we all need something to beat the heat and this homemade lemonade will help you do just that! only 2 ingredients plus water and it is incredible.
Lemonade is one of those drinks I tend to forget about until it is so hot out and I want something other than water. I love homemade lemonade because you can control the amount of sweetness and sugar. Nothing truly screams summer more than a pitcher of fresh lemonade with a meal. This easy homemade lemonade is not only delicious but so beautiful.
the ingredients
- Fresh Lemons: the beauty of a good lemonade comes from freshly squeezing your own lemons. I personally find lemon juice in a bottle to have too strong of a flavor and it almost can remind me of cleaner. So, take the time and squeeze some lemons (or ask someone else to do it for you).
- Organic Cane Sugar: in order to keep this recipe vegan-friendly make sure you use organic sugar to sweeten the lemonade.
- Water: this will help to make our lemonade after we make the lemon syrup.
- Ice: this will help to keep the pitcher cold, you of course don’t need ice if you will refrigerate it for a while.
- Mint/Basil: these are optional garnishes.
how to get the best lemons
Lemons are one of those fruits that gets tossed to the side because it is so acidic. However, some lemons can be a little sweeter or just easier to squeeze. I find medium sized lemons work the best. They should feel a bit soft when you squeeze them in the store. Try to look for ones that are fully yellow you don’t want any green, it’s not common but sometimes they aren’t quite ripe enough yet.
lemon simple syrup
Making this easy homemade lemonade really only requires one main step: make a lemon simple syrup. All the other stuff about decorating and styling the cups is just extra. You will need to juice the lemons, you can either do this by hand or with a juicer. I find it best to squeeze the lemons over a fine mesh sieve to make sure I am not getting any pits in my juice. From there add the lemon juice and organic cane sugar into a pot. Cook on the stove for about 5 minutes, just to dissolve the sugar, and that is it!
lemon sugar rim
A very small but effective way to dress up any drink is by adding a rim! For this recipe I decided to zest my lemons before juicing them and then adding in some cane sugar. It adds a beautiful touch to the drink that elevates this classic recipe! It also of course adds a bit of zest and sweetness while you are drinking the lemonade.
more summer drink recipes
lemonade add ons
While this lemonade is truly a classic, simple staple that is delicious, here are some other fun ways to jazz up this lemonade:
- Add seltzer.
- Add another citrus like orange juice.
- If you are 21+ add in some vodka for a light cocktail.
- Make a spicy lemonade with some jalapeño.
- Freeze berries in ice cubes and use those ice cubes.
- Garnish with edible flowers.
- Add in some vegan condensed milk to make it creamy.
easy homemade lemonade faq
- Is this recipe soy free? Yes.
- Is this recipe gluten free? Yes.
- Is this recipe nut free? Yes.
- How long does this last? Up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Can I swap the sugar for a different sweetener? Sure, feel free to use agave, maple syrup, coconut nectar. But different sweeteners can affect the taste.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but the longer the lemons sit in the drink the more the flavor will develop. So, if you are making this more than 1 hour ahead of time wait to add the lemon pieces into the drink.
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Easy Homemade Lemonade
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 lemons juiced (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup organic sugar plus more for rim
- 4 cups water
- Ice to preference
- Mint optional garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add the lemon juice and sugar. DON’T THROW OUT THE LIMES YOU JUICED. Bring to a rolling simmer over medium low heat, then continue to let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. Stirring occasionally with a spoon until sugar is completely dissolved.
- Cut the juiced lemons into smaller pieces and add it to the pitcher. If you aren’t drinking this within an hour, wait and do this before serving or it could make the lemonade bitter.
- Then add the lemon syrup, ice, and water. Use a large spoon to mix everything. Add as much ice as you like. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before enjoying.
- Optional: but if you would like to make a lemon sugar rim you can add 1 tablespoon (12g) of sugar with the zest of 2 lemons. Mix together. To line the glass use a piece of lemon wedge to wet the rim and then dip the glass in it.
- Add ice to the glass, along with a few pieces of lime, and fill to the top. If desired, garnish with a lemon slice, and a sprig of mint.
Video
Notes
- The lemonade is lightly sweetened if you like very sweet lemonade add up to 3 tablespoons more of organic sugar.
- Nutrition facts are based on my gram measurements, yours may vary. They are to help you get an idea.
Nutrition
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