There’s something about a glass of homemade lemonade that instantly transports you to summer, whether you’re actually basking in the sun or just dreaming of warm days while hiding under a blanket.

It’s the perfect blend of tart and sweet, refreshing enough to cool down even the hottest afternoon.

If you’ve ever had store-bought lemonade, you know it’s just not the same. Too sweet, too artificial, or somehow missing that zing that makes real lemonade so perfect. But don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with the easiest, most foolproof traditional lemonade recipe that even your kids can help make (just be prepared for some questionable lemon-squeezing techniques).

The Best Traditional Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
4 cups water (divided)
1 cup granulated sugar or simple syrup
Ice
Lemon slices and mint for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Juice the Lemons: Roll the lemons on the counter a few times before cutting them. This helps release more juice. Squeeze out all that liquid sunshine until you have about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds, unless you like an unexpected crunch.
Make the Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan and heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely. No need to boil it, just stir until it’s smooth, then let it cool. This step ensures your lemonade isn’t grainy because nobody wants surprise sugar sludge at the bottom of their glass.
Mix It Up: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well, taste, and adjust as needed, more water if it’s too tart, more lemon if it’s too sweet.
Serve and Enjoy: Fill your favorite glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if you’re feeling fancy. Sip, relax, and pretend you’re on vacation.

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Because while classic lemonade is perfect, sometimes you just want to mix things up (or use whatever fruit is about to go bad in your fridge). Here are some fun variations to try:

Berry Lemonade: Blend a handful of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries with the lemon juice before mixing. It adds a pop of color and an extra burst of flavor.
Sparkling Lemonade: Swap out regular water for sparkling water to give it a bubbly, fizzy twist.
Herbal Lemonade: Add a sprig of fresh basil, rosemary, or lavender to the pitcher for a more sophisticated (but still super easy) drink.
Honey Lemonade: Replace the sugar with honey for a more natural sweetness and a little extra depth of flavor.
Pink Lemonade: A splash of cranberry juice gives your lemonade that pretty pink color and a slightly tangy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Traditional lemonade keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving since the flavors settle over time.

Q: What if I don’t want to make simple syrup?
A: No problem! You can stir the sugar directly into the lemon juice and water, but it may take longer to dissolve. Using warm water helps speed things up.

Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Technically, yes, but fresh lemons make a huge difference. Bottled juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor that makes homemade lemonade so good.

Q: How do I make this sugar-free?
A: Swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, or use honey for a more natural alternative. Adjust to taste since some substitutes are sweeter than others.

There you have it, your go-to recipe for homemade lemonade that’s simple, delicious, and guaranteed to make you the hero of any backyard get-together.

Whether you’re making a batch for a lazy afternoon or serving it at a summer barbecue, this lemonade is sure to bring a little extra sunshine to your day.