How to Make Homemade Lemonade: Easy DIY Recipe for a Refreshing Drink
Learn how to make delicious homemade lemonade from scratch with our easy DIY guide. Get the best recipe for a refreshing glass of fresh, classic lemonade.
What You'll Need
- 6-8 medium-sized fresh lemons (about 1.5 cups juice)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 4 cups cold water (for dilution)
- Ice cubes (optional)
- Small saucepan
- Lemon reamer or juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Large pitcher
- Knife and cutting board
Make classic lemonade from scratch using fresh lemons, sugar, and water. This recipe yields about 6 servings.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you begin, ensure you have all your ingredients and tools laid out. Fresh, ripe lemons are key for the best flavor, so choose lemons that feel heavy for their size.
Prepare the Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool.
Cool the Syrup Faster
To speed up the cooling process for your simple syrup, place the saucepan in an ice bath after removing it from the heat. Alternatively, make the simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate.
Extract Lemon Juice
Firmly roll each lemon on a countertop for about 10-15 seconds before cutting. This helps break down the membranes inside. Cut the lemons in half and juice them using a reamer or juicer. You need about 1.5 cups of juice.
Strain the Juice
Always strain your freshly squeezed lemon juice to remove seeds and excessive pulp. Nobody wants a surprise seed in their refreshing drink!
Combine and Dilute
Once your simple syrup has cooled and you have your fresh lemon juice, pour both into a large pitcher. Add 4 cups of cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed. Serve over ice.
