If you’re looking for the ultimate summer refresher, making Lemonade from Scratch is a joyfully simple ritual that never goes out of style. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about squeezing your own lemons, tinkering with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, and pouring yourself a frosty glass of homemade lemonade. This recipe is all about celebrating honest-to-goodness real flavors, made with just a handful of everyday ingredients—but oh, the result is pure sunshine in a glass! Whether you’re beating the heat or want a little nostalgia in your day, this is the foolproof classic you’ll come back to for lemonade that tastes just like childhood summers.

Lemonade from Scratch Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Lemonade from Scratch is that it doesn’t require anything fancy—just a few classic ingredients that, together, make an incredibly bright and refreshing drink. Here’s how each element plays its own important role in the final flavor and experience.

Hot Water: Essential for dissolving sugar without any grittiness, ensuring every sip is smooth and evenly sweetened.
Sugar: Just a tablespoon brings the perfect amount of sweetness without overpowering the tang of the lemons.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is the secret to a bold, zippy citrus flavor that bottled juice simply can’t mimic.
Ice: Not only chills your lemonade instantly, but also gives it that frosty, thirst-quenching delivery that’s absolutely necessary.

How to Make Lemonade from Scratch

Step 1: Create a Simple Syrup

Start your Lemonade from Scratch by heating ¾ cup of water just until it’s hot (no need to let it boil—175°F is perfect if you can check). Add your tablespoon of sugar and stir until it’s completely dissolved. Using hot water gives you a silky-smooth syrup and prevents any graininess in your finished drink. If there’s one step that sets homemade lemonade apart from the rest, it’s this!

Step 2: Cool the Syrup

Pop the sugar-water mixture into your fridge for about 10 minutes. This helps bring it down to a refreshing temperature so you don’t end up melting all your ice later. Quick tip: If you’re in a rush, you can set the bowl in an ice bath or even pop it in the freezer for a few minutes (just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t freeze solid!).

Step 3: Mix in Lemon Juice

Once your syrup is nicely chilled, whisk in 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Fresh juice makes all the difference—the aroma, the tang, and that bright yellow color just scream “summer.” Stir gently so that every bit of sweetness and citrus is fully combined for the best tasting Lemonade from Scratch.

Step 4: Serve Over Ice

Pour your lemony drink into a cup brimming with ice for an instant chill. The ice melts just enough to mellow the lemonade without watering it down, giving you that ultra-refreshing first (and last!) sip every time. If you want to get a little fancy, toss in a few thin lemon slices for extra flair and flavor.

How to Serve Lemonade from Scratch

Garnishes

The best way to finish your Lemonade from Scratch? A few cheerful lemon wheels or wedges perched on the rim or floating in the glass. You could also add a sprig of fresh mint, a couple of berries, or even a curly lemon peel for a pop of color and a subtle aroma boost.

Side Dishes

Lemonade from Scratch pairs beautifully with classic summer bites like sandwiches, roasted nuts, picnic salads, or buttery cookies. It’s the kind of drink that plays well with everything, whether you’re having a barbecue, a light lunch, or just an afternoon snack on the porch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Lemonade from Scratch in mason jars with colorful straws, or pour it into a clear pitcher with lots of floating citrus slices and berries for a truly eye-catching centerpiece. You can also freeze lemonade into popsicle molds for a frosty treat, or offer a “lemonade bar” with bowls of fruit and herbs for everyone to customize their glass.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Lemonade from Scratch, simply transfer it to a glass jar or pitcher and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving since fresh juice can sometimes settle or separate as it sits.

Freezing

You can turn leftover Lemonade from Scratch into ice cubes—perfect for adding extra zing to sparkling water or future pitchers of lemonade. Just pour into an ice cube tray and freeze; once solid, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.

Reheating

While you wouldn’t want to reheat lemonade to drink, if it’s too cold or you want to use it as a cocktail mixer, you can gently bring it to room temperature by setting it out on the counter for a bit, or warm slightly to dissolve honey or another add-in. Always let it cool back down with ice before serving.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but for the classic zing and aroma that defines Lemonade from Scratch, fresh-squeezed makes a huge difference. Bottled juice often tastes less bright and a little flat.

What’s the best way to squeeze lemons?

Use a simple citrus reamer or handheld juicer for the most juice with the least mess. Roll your lemons on the counter before cutting to release extra juice, and strain out seeds for a smoother drink.

Can I use alternative sweeteners?

Absolutely! You can swap in honey, agave, or your favorite sugar substitute for a different flavor profile. Adjust amounts to taste, since sweetness levels can vary by sweetener.

How do I make a bigger batch for a crowd?

Simply multiply all ingredients as needed, and mix in a large pitcher. Taste and adjust lemon or sugar to suit your audience. Serve with lots of ice and garnishes for the full Lemonade from Scratch experience!

Is there a quick way to chill the simple syrup?

If you’re short on time, cool the syrup in the freezer for a few minutes (don’t forget it!), or set the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice water. This speeds up the chilling so you can enjoy your lemonade faster.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as delightful and easy as making Lemonade from Scratch. With a little squeezing and a quick stir, you’ll be sipping on a homemade drink that tastes like sunshine. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to stay cool and refreshed!