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–+ servings
Tall glass of homemade lemonade with lemon slices and a straw.

Best Homemade Lemonade Ever

A fresh, sweet-tart homemade lemonade made with real lemons, simple syrup, and ice-cold water. Perfect for summer, parties, BBQs, and everyday refreshing drinks.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
rest time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 178
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 3/4 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 9 medium lemons or more as needed
  • 7 cups ice-cold water
  • Ice as needed
  • Lemon slices optional for serving

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large pitcher
  • Citrus juicer
  • Measuring cups
  • Spoon
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Serving glasses

Method
 

  1. Add the sugar and 1 cup water to a saucepan.
  2. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Remove from the heat and let the simple syrup cool.
  4. Cut the lemons in half and juice them.
  5. Pour the fresh lemon juice into a large pitcher.
  6. Add the cooled simple syrup.
  7. Pour in 7 cups ice-cold water.
  8. Stir well until combined.
  9. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice, cold water, or syrup if needed.
  10. Add lemon slices and ice right before serving.
  11. Serve cold.

Nutrition

Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 44gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.2mg

Video

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
  • Chill the lemonade before serving if you have time.
  • Add ice to individual glasses if you are not serving the whole pitcher right away.
  • For a less sweet lemonade, start with less syrup and add more to taste.
  • For stronger lemon flavor, add extra fresh lemon juice.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
 

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