Homemade Lemonade
Updated Jun 27, 2025
This lemonade recipe is made with fresh lemon juice, sugar, and water. It's not too sweet or too sour, this homemade lemonade is just right!
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Homemade LEMONADE is so good!
Lemonade sounds easy enough, just lemon, sugar, water. But getting it to taste right, not too sour, not too sweet, is trickier than it looks. I’ve messed with my lemonade ratios more times than I can count, and I think this version hits that sweet and sour spot.
I’ll make it as-is for a classic take, or add a splash of rose water when I want a different flavor. It’s simple and not too sugary, just the way I like it.
Happy Cooking!
– Yumna
Homemade Lemonade Ingredients
- Lemon juice: You’ll need about 4-6 lemons to make enough juice for this lemonade! You can use pre-bottled lemon product but I highly recommend going for the fresh stuff. The results will be so much better!
- Sugar: Cane sugar is my favorite, but feel free to swap in white granulated sugar or even premade simple syrup if you have it.
- Water: Yes, tap water is fine!
- Optional flavors: Try mint lemonade or strawberry lemonade.
Recipe Video Tutorial
How to Make Homemade Lemonade
Homemade Lemonade Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup cane sugar
- 4 cups water divided
- 1 tablespoon rose water optional
- 1 cup lemon juice about 4-6 lemons
Instructions
- Start by making a simple syrup by combining ½ cup water and sugar in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened but still clear colored, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat, add the rose water.
- Pour the simple syrup into a serving pitcher. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice on top along with the remaining 3 cups of water. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to serve, add ice cubes and sliced lemons
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Recipe Tips
- Adjust the sweetness by making more simple syrup. I use a 1:1 ratio for the simple syrup, but if you want sweeter lemonade, use ¾ cup sugar or 1 cup sugar and the same amount of water!
Serving Ideas
- Use fruit ice cubes to add more fruit flavor. I make these by simply adding any fruit to ice cube trays, filling them with water, and then freezing. They’re so cute for serving drinks in the summer!
- Freeze your leftovers. You basically have everything you need for a perfect popsicle! If you’ve got any lemonade leftover at the end of the day, pour it into a popsicle mold, and voila: Lemonade popsicles!
- Add rose water or orange blossom water for a more fragrant taste. These are made by steeping rose petals or orange blossom petals in water. You can buy a bottle of them at Middle Eastern stores, and they add a fresh sweet taste without added sugar. It’s a very popular way of making Lemonade in the Middle East.
Comments
Love lemonade. So refreshing
Right? One of my favorite summer drinks!
I will definitely try it an definitely I know it will be great.
Thanks 😊Yumna.
I can’t wait for you to give it a go! You’re so welcome!!
Loved the addition of Rosé Water or Orange blossom. I like to add a pinch of salt to cut the tartness too.
Looooved the TikTok creamy one. It’s addictive but dangerous and tastes like a liquid lemon or key lime pie. Delicious!!!
It’s a unique twist! Love the idea of adding salt too. I can’t get enough of the Creamy Lemonade either!!