Homemade lemonade with simple syrup is sweetened and made in just minutes and full of lemony citrus notes galore. Come see how I make this summertime classic for the best lemonade ever.
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Lemonade and summertime just plain go together, hand in hand. Lemonade is the perfect refreshing thirst quencher on hot, sticky days in the sunshine whether you’re swimming, grilling on the patio, or hard at work in your garden.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all the way team water. There is nothing I love more than a tall glass of water any time of day. But on those hot summer days, a nice freshly squeezed lemonade just hits differently. This is a drink I splurge on occasionally during the hot months we’re already entering into here in Missouri.
I do not try to healthify lemonade, either. I don’t try to make it something it’s not–by adding lavender or other herbs for a fancy concoction… It’s best served very traditional. Lots of sugar and lots of fresh juice from real lemons.
To make it feel a little more special, I may drink it from a cocktail glass, but other than that there’s a simple lemon garnish and I’m on my way.
Lemonade is one of those simple drinks that just doesn’t need a lot of extra nonsense added in. Sugar, water, and lemons are all you really need.
If you’re ready for the best lemonade recipe of your life, here’s how I do it with my homemade lemonade with simple syrup, straight from my cottage kitchen.
Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is typically made for sweetening mixed drinks, in particular cocktails. However, I like to use it for my homemade lemonade recipe. It’s made in minutes using equal parts sugar and water, and it can even be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for convenience. It doesn’t get better than that.
Can I double the recipe for a family gathering?
Absolutely. In fact, I encourage this. This is such an easy, straightforward recipe with measurements that are so easy to double, triple, or even quadruple for a large family event. Serve it from a large beverage dispenser (like this one HERE) with slices of fresh lemons and ice and you’re good to go.
What else can I add for more flavor?
I think homemade lemonade with simple syrup is best enjoyed in its simple form without any extras added in. That’s just my opinion, though. If you must add more, consider sticking to other traditional flavors you’d find in lemonade drinks. For example, fresh raspberries, blueberries, and even lime are great additions for a bit more flavor. They also add vibrant color that will make any little kid squeal with excitement.
Tools You’ll Need | Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Measuring cups
Liquid measuring cup
Whisk
Small pot
Glass or plastic pitcher
Large spoon
Citrus juicer
Chef’s knife
Ingredients | Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Sugar – Granulated sugar is best for making the simple syrup that sweetens the lemonade.
Lemons – Fresh lemons make this recipe stand out with rich sweetness and lots of citrusy flavor.
Water – Water is used in both the simple syrup and in the final mixture to balance out the sweetness of the lemonade.
How to Make Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
To make the simple syrup
Start by adding 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar into a small pot on high heat.
Whisk it continuously as it begins to simmer. Continue until it reaches a full boil and remove from the stovetop immediately.
Set aside to cool.
To make the lemonade
Start by juicing about 6-8 lemons (1 cup total).
Pour lemon juice, cold water, and simple syrup into a pitcher.
Stir with a large spoon. Add lemon slices to the pitcher and pour into glasses of ice with more lemon garnish.
Serve immediately or chill for up to one week in the fridge.
Tips for Success | Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Be sure to remove the simple syrup mixture from the stove as soon as the mixture boils. Failing to do so can result in a too-thick, sticky mixture that won’t completely mix with cold water and lemon juice.
To remove any seeds from the lemon juice, strain through a strainer into a bowl before adding to the water and simple syrup.
More Summer Recipes
Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Equipment
- measuring cups
- liquid measuring cup
- whisk
- small pot
- glass or plastic pitcher
- large spoon
- citrus juicer
- Chef's knife
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- 1 cup simple syrup cooled
- 2 cups cold water
- lemon slices for garnishing
Instructions
For the simple syrup
- Start by adding 1 cup of water with 1 cup of sugar into a small pot on high heat.
- Whisk it continuously as it begins to simmer. Continue until it reaches a full boil and remove from the stovetop immediately.
- Set aside to cool.
For the lemonade
- Start by juicing about 6-8 lemons (1 cup total of juice).
- Pour lemon juice, cold water, and simple syrup into a pitcher.
- Stir with a large spoon. Add lemon slices to the pitcher and pour into glasses of ice with more lemon garnish.
- Serve immediately or chill for up to one week in the fridge.
