Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Why Choose Homemade Lemonade Over Store-Bought Options?

Some store-bought lemonades contain high-fructose corn syrup, preservatives or other additives, while others keep things simpler. It really depends on the brand and how closely you read the label. However, when you make your own, you're in complete control of the sweetness level, the tartness and the ingredients. Want less sugar? Use honey or stevia. Need a version that works for a specific diet? Easy adjustment. That kind of flexibility just isn't possible when you grab a bottle from the refrigerated section.

Homemade lemonade also tends to cost less. Six to eight medium lemons can fill an entire pitcher for a fraction of what premade versions run, and the flavor tends to be brighter and zestier than most bottled alternatives. Overall, in our humble opinion, when you make it yourself, it tastes a lot more like the crisp, refreshing lemonade from your childhood.

How To Make Lemonade Step By Step

When you’re making a timeless homemade lemonade recipe, the foundation is super straightforward. As a word of advice, tasting as you go is half the skill. Create the base and keep tweaking from there until you hit that smile-worthy sweet-tart balance that makes you want a second glass before you've even finished the first.

The Best Lemonade Recipe: Three Ingredients And You’re All Set

Start with a cup of fresh lemon juice, one cup of sweetener and six cups of cold water. Stir until every element melds together, add ice and serve. It might sound deceptively simple, but we promise that’s really all you need! For an extra-smooth result, make a simple syrup first by heating equal parts sugar and water until dissolved, cooling it down, then mixing it with the lemon juice and cold water. This helps prevent any graininess and distributes sweetness evenly throughout the pitcher.

Make It Easier With True Citrus: Same Sunshine Without The Squeeze

It might sound like a no-brainer, but your lemonade is only as good as what was used to make it. So, if you only have super sour or dry lemons that barely yield a tablespoon of juice, you might not be super pleased with the final result. That said, if you'd rather skip the rolling, squeezing and sticky counter situation, True Lemon Unsweetened Crystallized Citrus packets are a direct substitute for fresh lemon juice. Eight packets equal ¼ cup, so the measuring is straightforward and the flavor hits the mark every single time. That translates into no sad lemons that disappoint, no waste and no mess. Just zestfully delicious zing from simple, non-GMO ingredients with zero calories, zero sodium and zero sugar.

Summer In A Packet: True Lemon Original Lemonade

Here's where things get even more convenient. If you want your fresh lemonade recipe done in under a minute, True Lemon Original Lemonade is the move. One packet into 16 oz. of cold water and you've got a delightful, crave-worthy lemonade with 10 calories, 1g of sugar, 50% of your daily Vitamin C and no artificial sweeteners. Sweetened with stevia and a touch of real sugar, it tastes just like it came from a lemonade stand without any of the effort. Plus, you can keep reaching for refill after refill without watching your calories. Feel free to savor every crisp, guilt-free gulp; we’re not counting how many glasses you’ve had, and you shouldn’t have to either.

Nine Flavors, Zero Excuses To Be Bored

Can't decide on just one flavor? Our full Lemonade Collection has eight more equally amazing varieties to try aside from our classic Original Lemonade, including Raspberry Lemonade, Wildberry Lemonade, Peach Lemonade, Passionfruit Lemonade, Triple Citrus Lemonade, Lemon Lime Lemonade, Mango Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade. They’re all 10 calories, mix effortlessly into ordinary water and let you carry a little bit of happiness no matter where you go.

Tasty Lemonade Recipe Variations To Try

The classic recipe is a great starting point, but half the fun of learning how to make lemonade with lemon juice is adjusting it to your exact tastes. A handful of fresh fruit is usually all it takes to turn an ordinary pitcher into something that feels special, and the variations below are some of our favorites for good reason. 

• Strawberry Lemonade: Add one cup of fresh or frozen strawberries to your base homemade lemonade recipe. Blend until smooth, strain if desired and serve over ice.
• Raspberry Lemonade: Muddle ½ cup of fresh raspberries in the bottom of your pitcher before adding lemonade. Leave the berries in for a rustic look or strain them out for a smoother texture.
• Peach Lemonade: Blend two ripe peaches with your lemon juice before mixing with sugar and water. Frozen peaches work just as well and keep your lemonade extra cold.

Of course, if fresh fruit isn't on hand or you'd rather skip the blending, straining and sticky cutting boards, True Lemon has your back. Our True Lemon Strawberry Lemonade, Raspberry Lemonade and Peach Lemonade drink mixes each bring that same mouthwatering, irresistible lemonade flavor in a single pocket-sized packet. Sometimes the easiest version really is the best one!