“When life gives you lemons…” so the saying goes. And our British weather is currently serving a huge dose of citrus – where has all the sunshine gone?! But if you’re dreaming of something cool, refreshing, and citrusy to sip in the sun when it does eventually reappear, you’ll love these 21 homemade lemonade recipes you can mix up in a jiffy. In fact, you could even start experimenting now and find your favourite(s), in readiness for warmer days ahead – here’s hoping…
How to Make Lemonade Step by Step
How do you make simple lemonade? This super easy and speedy Homemade Lemonade recipe from Love and Lemons is a classic. Made with just three simple ingredients – fresh lemons, water, and sugar – it’s sweet, refreshing, and deliciously tart. Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can get more adventurous and add different ingredients (think herbs and spices as well as fruit). And don’t forget to garnish with some fresh lemon slices and a few pretty edible flowers as well.
Ingredients
- Fresh lemons – when you’re making homemade lemonade, fresh-squeezed lemon juice is a must. Save the bottled lemon juice for cooking.
- Simple syrup – for sweetness, make a traditional sugar water or sugar syrup with equal parts granulated sugar and water.
- Cold water – to dilute the lemon juice and simple syrup and balance the tart and sweet flavours.
Instructions
- Make your sugar syrup in a small saucepan, and allow it to cool.
- Juice your lemons. You want at least 3 cups of lemon juice and a really good juicer* will make your life a whole lot easier
- Stir it all together. Pour the syrup, lemon juice, and water into a pitcher and stir in a couple handfuls of ice.
- Taste and adjust the flavours to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more syrup. If you like a tarter taste, add more lemon juice.
Pour into glasses filled with ice and top with your desired garnishes. Et voilà, a refreshing Summer treat to complement all your Summer food recipes.
Squeeze The Day – 20 Easy Homemade Lemonade to Make at Home
In no particular order, here are 20 more of the zestiest, most refreshing lemonade recipes I’ve found. Click through the links for all the nutrition facts for each recipe.
Mango Lemonade from Hawaii Travel with Kids
Tropical flavours combining the sweetness of mangos with the zing of lemonade.
Limonana from Immigrant’s Table
A traditional Middle Eastern drink combining lemonade with fresh mint for a refreshing and aromatic summer drink.
Blackberry Lemonade from Persnickety Plates
A deliciously tart and sweet drink made with fresh blackberries and lemons, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Fresh Orange Mint Lemonade from The Purple Pumpkin Blog
A vibrant and citrusy drink enhanced with fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade from Ottawa Mommy Club
Blending the sweet and hydrating flavours of watermelon and strawberries with tangy lemonade for a perfect summer cooler.
Nimbu Pani or Indian Lemonade from Veg Recipes of India
A traditional Indian beverage featuring a simple yet refreshing lemonade with a hint of spices for an authentic taste.
Strawberry Lemonade Punch from Greedy Eats
Packing a fruity punch with strawberries and lemonade for a festive and refreshing drink.
Lavender Lemonade from Premeditated Leftovers
A unique and aromatic drink combining the soothing flavour of lavender with classic lemonade for a calming summer refreshment.
Apple Lemonade from Homemade Hooplah
Blending crisp apples with tart lemons for a refreshing and fruity twist on traditional lemonade.
Lime Watermelon Juice (Watermelon Agua Fresca) from My Mocktail Forest
A zesty Agua Fresca combining the sweet flavours of watermelon with a hint of lime for a perfect summer drink.
Frosted Lemonade (Copycat Chick-fil-A) from On My Kids Plate
A copycat recipe inspired by Chick-fil-A’s popular drink, blending lemonade with vanilla ice cream for a creamy and tangy treat. And it’s an easy lemonade recipe for kids too.
Rhubarb Lemonade from ALDI
Yes, really, ALDI! This is a sparkling summer treat blending fresh rhubarb with lemons and elderflower water.
Ginger Lemonade from The Mindful Mocktail
The perfect drink to serve health-conscious guests, with fresh lemons and a warming kick of antioxidant ginger.
Peach Lemonade from Easy Peazy Meals
The peaches add a sweet mellowness fresh lemonade that’s perfect for sipping, spicing up with some alcohol, or even freezing into popsicles.
Kiwi Lemonade from Lynn Mumbing Meja
Fruity and delicious, with some added crunch from the kiwi seeds (although you can sieve them out if you prefer).
Raspberry Lemonade from Happi Homemade
Combines fresh lemon juice, fresh raspberries, and sweetener for a refreshing, low-sugar drink and one of the most healthy lemonade recipes, it’s perfect for summer.
Cherry Lemonade from Home Sweet Table
The perfect amount of sweetness and tartness for summer get-togethers and holidays.
Rosemary Lemonade from Taste of Home
A fresh, light, and herbal twist on a classic recipe, ideally poured over ice.
Tomato & Basil Lemonade from Love and Olive Oil
An unusual combination but the lemons and sugar turn a typically savoury fruit into a sweet libation.
Rose Lemonade from The Mediterranean Dish
A bright, refreshing and oh-so-simple to make cooler with a gorgeous floral flavour. easy homemade lemonade recipes.
Easy Homemade Lemonade FAQs
How long does homemade lemonade last?
- 5- 7 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- You’ll probably need to stir it again before serving, as natural separation may occur.
How to store fresh lemonade?
- In a sealed container in the fridge.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to avoid it taking on any of their flavours.
- Or, you can freeze lemonade in a freezer-safe, airtight container* or ice cube trays*.
What to do with leftover lemonade?
- Make popsicles – pour into ice lolly moulds* and freeze.
- Ice cubes – freeze to use in water, tea, or more lemonade.
- Cocktail/mocktail base – mix with vodka, gin, or sparkling water.
- Salad dressing – create a citrusy vinaigrette.
- Marinade – combine with olive oil and herbs for chicken or fish.
Can lemonade be made sparkling?
- Yes! Just use sparkling water or club soda instead of still water.
- Add it just before serving to keep the fizz.
- But DON’T SHAKE! Stir it gently to mix instead.
Should you add citric acid to lemonade?
- It’s not necessary but if you want to enhance tartness, extend shelf life, and intensify the lemon flavour then you can.
- Use citric acid* sparingly though – about 1/4–1/2 teaspoon per litre.
What’s the best lemonade recipe?
- Over to you – I can’t decide!
The Zest is Yet To Come
So, there you go, 21 delicious and refreshing lemonade recipes to make at home. With just a few basic ingredients you can whip up the perfect Summer drink for any family gatherings, picnics, parties, or to quench your own thirst. These easy recipes mean you’ll always have a choice of delicious homemade lemonade ready to enjoy. Happy juicing and happy drinking!
Have you ever made homemade lemonade before? Which of the 21 recipes listed above is your favourite? Do you have a lemonade recipe to share?
* This post features affiliate links – please see my Disclaimer for more details.
I had no idea there were so many different variations of lemonade! I’m most intrigued by the mango lemonade and rhubarb lemonade! Also, that’s a good idea to make popsicles!
I know, and I’ve probably only scratched the surface of all the different flavours you can try!
As someone who loves lemons, and enjoys a really good refreshing drink (especially in the summer), this is wonderful! I love all the varieties here, and can’t wait to try some of them out. I have raspberries so may start with that one.
Good choice, it’s one on my list to try as soon as our raspberries are ripe too!
A truly wonderful roundup of lemonade recipes. Who knew you could make it so many different ways. We make ours with a few drops of rose water and mint.
Oh, that sounds lovely, I’ll have to try that one, thank you!