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This Homemade Lemonade Recipe is refreshing and so simple to make. This recipe serves six and costs $2.13 to make. That’s just 36¢ per serving!
Is there anything better than a nice cold glass of Homemade Lemonade on a warm summer day? I love it any time of the year, but there is something extra special about it on those sunny summer days.
Growing up, we had a lemon tree that produced like crazy. I can remember doing yard work as a family on Saturdays, except I would sneak out a little early to pick some lemons and make some fresh lemonade for everyone.
I can still taste it! In my memory, that was the best tasting lemonade, because it was so refreshing after a day of chores out in the sun. Or perhaps it tasted so good because making it got me out of chores a little bit early!
Homemade Lemonade
We have worked hard to recreate an easy Homemade Lemonade recipe that will bring back all those childhood memories! Our families have enjoyed all of our recipe testings to make sure we came up with the perfect combination of sweetness for you.
This recipe is the BEST Homemade Lemonade because it only has three ingredients, and no fresh lemons are needed! We opted for bottled lemon juice because not everyone has access to a lemon tree. Also, when lemons are not in season, they can get a bit pricey. Using store-bought lemon juice is an excellent option for an easy and cost-effective way to have fresh lemonade.
I have been making this since I was a kid, so I can confirm that even your kids can easily make this recipe on their own! They may also want to sell it in their lemonade stand. That is another rite of passage as a kid, right?!
Is homemade lemonade good for you?
This is a tricky question. It is full of fresh lemon juice, which is super good for you with various minerals and vitamins. But it is also full of sugar, and we all know about sugar. We don’t recommend drinking homemade lemonade all day every day, but in moderation, it is okay.
How long does homemade lemonade last?
Store it in your fridge, and it will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
How many lemons do you need for 1 cup of juice?
How to Make Homemade Lemonade Recipe:
- First, pour ingredients into a large pitcher.
- Next, mix the lemonade with a long spoon until the sugar is almost dissolved. Then adjust the sugar to your taste.
- Serve cold or over ice for the best refreshing flavor.
How to get the kids involved with this recipe:
- Ages 2-3: Let them help you stir the lemonade with a long spoon.
- Ages 4-5: Let them pour the ingredients into the pitcher. Also, let them become the taste tester for the lemonade.
- Ages 6-8: Show them how to measure the ingredients in measuring cups. This will be an excellent opportunity to talk about fractions!
- Ages 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
- Ages 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.
The Flavor and Recipe Variations:
- Add in flavored Torani syrups such as Cherry, Strawberry, or Peach.
- You can also make frozen lemonade by blending lemonade and ice together. Use a ratio of 2:1, so 2 cups of lemonade for every 1 cup of ice.
What Main Dish to serve with Homemade Lemonade:
- 1 Hour Pepperoni Pizza
- 15-Minute Skillet Tilapia with Artichokes and Tomatoes
- American Goulash
- Beef Chuck Roast
- Copycat Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo
- Easy Baked Pork Chops with Apples
- French Bread Pizza
- Ground Beef and Broccoli Teriyaki
- Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Italian Zucchini Boats
- Machaca Burritos
- Meatball Subs
- Mexican Chicken Rice Bowls
- One Pan Cheesy Broccoli Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Anything goes with lemonade!
How long is this good for:
- Serve: It’s best to serve lemonade chilled or over ice.
- Store: Keep it in the refrigerator until ready to store.
- Freeze: You can freeze lemonade. You can freeze it in freezer-safe zipper top bags or even Tupperware or airtight glass containers.
How much will this Homemade Lemonade cost:
RECIPE COST: $2.13
PRICE PER SERVING:
- 1 ⅔ cup Lemon Juice – $1.78
- 6 Cups Water – $0.00
- 1 1/4- 1 1/2 Cup Sugar – $0.35
To find out more about how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
Cook’s Tools:
- Large Pitcher
- measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- wooden mixing spoon
Homemade Lemonade
Equipment
- Large Pitcher
- measuring cups
- Liquid measuring cup
- Wooden mixing spoon
Instructions
- Pour the lemon juice and 1 ¼ cup of sugar into a large pitcher.
- Pour in the water.
- Stir until the sugar is almost dissolved. Add more sugar to taste. Serve cold or over ice for the best flavor.
Kakhaber Khmelidze says
Homemade lemonade is a thing, not that factory craft.
Jess Jankowski says
Homemade is the way to go!
Katie Bellamy says
Fresh lemonade is the best! Sounds delish!
Jess Jankowski says
Isn’t it perfect on a warm summer day?!
Claudia Lamascolo says
We drink only fresh lemonade the health benefits are incredible. This sounds perfect will surely make this again and again!
Jess Jankowski says
Claudia, agreed! Nothing beats a glass of fresh lemonade!
Liz says
The weather is finally starting to warm up so I’ll be making this regularly now! My 9 year old loves lemonade!
Jess Jankowski says
Yay for warmer weather!
Antoinette M says
Lovely refreshing drink on a hot summer day!
Jess Jankowski says
Absolutely!
Jaclyn Mercer says
Gosh this is a great idea to keep the children occupied and work on fractions!
Jess Jankowski says
Sneaking in math when they don’t even know it! Win-win for sure!
Barrie says
My adult kiddo, who is living with us for another month, loves lemonade. This is a great recipe to try with them and great for our hot days!
Jess Jankowski says
Perfect! Thanks for stopping by!
Sue says
Fresh homemade lemonade is the best, all summer long!
Jess Jankowski says
Totally agree Sue!
Lizet Bowen says
Homemade is always better! this is my boys job during citrus season. Great tips!
Jess Jankowski says
So awesome that your boys make it!
Jas @ All that's Jas says
Nothing compares to homemade lemonade. Simple and delicious summer refreshment!
Jess Jankowski says
Agreed 100%!
Emily Flint says
Nothing is better than fresh lemonade and this recipe is the best!!
Jess Jankowski says
It’s hard to have concentrate after having it homemade!
Amy says
Great recipe! It was the perfect amount of sweetness to tartness. Didn’t last very long in our house!
Jess Jankowski says
It never lasts long in our house either! Time for the next batch!
Marina says
So easy and simple, perfect summer homemade lemonade recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Jess Jankowski says
Love a fresh glass in the summertime!
Michele Peterson says
I did not know you could freeze lemonade and have it turn out just as delicious as fresh made. But yes it did – thanks!
Jess Jankowski says
So happy you tried and learned something new! Thanks for letting us know!
Jen Talley says
We love fresh lemonade!! Thanks for the recipe.
Jess Jankowski says
You are so welcome Jen!
Leslie says
Great classic Homemade Lemonade recipe! I love you added the kid factor to this. Great idea!
Jess Jankowski says
So important to get the kiddos involved in the kitchen! Thanks for stopping by.
Patrice says
Homemade lemonade is such a summer tradition, isn’t it? I love how you’ve provided options for kids of all ages to get involved!
Jess Jankowski says
It just isn’t summer without a glass of lemonade!
debra says
Love it. So easy. So refreshing. Hello Summer!!
Jess Jankowski says
We know summer is officially here when we break out the Homemade Lemonade!
Kakhaber Khmelidze says
You know, this is absolutely stunning recipe with brilliant photos/. Thanks!
Jess Jankowski says
Thanks so much!
Lathiya says
homemade lemonade is the best than any store-bought. My kids love homemade lemonade.
Jess Jankowski says
I love it on a hot summer day!
Rosie says
I don’t think I’ve ever had real lemonade, it sure sounds good, especially when made from lemons picked from the tree – wow!
Jess Jankowski says
You will never want store bought again!