Homemade Lemonades Recipe

Make simple syrup

Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature (10–15 minutes).

Juice lemons

While the syrup cools, roll lemons firmly on the counter to loosen juices and juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Strain seeds and excess pulp through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring cup.

Combine and dilute

In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup and 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Add 4 cups cold water and stir well. Taste and adjust: if too sweet, add up to 1/2 cup more lemon juice; if too tart, add up to 1 cup more water.

Chill

Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Alternatively, serve immediately over ice (use the 4 cups ice cubes).

Mint infusion

Bruise 8–10 fresh mint leaves by clapping them between your palms or gently muddling in a glass. Add the bruised leaves to the pitcher after combining the base. Let steep in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes for a pronounced mint flavor, then remove leaves if desired.

Strawberry lemonade

Place 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Strain if you prefer a clear lemonade. Stir strawberry puree into the lemonade base to taste (start with 1/2 cup puree and increase). Chill before serving.

Ginger lemonade

Simmer 1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh ginger in 1/2 cup water for 5 minutes, then strain and cool. Add the ginger-infused liquid to the lemonade base a tablespoon at a time until desired heat is reached.

Honey substitute

If using honey instead of sugar, warm 3 tablespoons honey with 1/4 cup water until it thins and mixes (do not boil). Use this honey syrup in place of part or all of the simple syrup; taste and adjust.

Sparkling lemonade

For a fizzy version, mix half the pitcher with 2 cups chilled sparkling water just before serving to preserve carbonation. Do not combine far in advance.

Fill glasses with ice. Pour lemonade into glasses, leaving room if adding sparkling water. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a mint sprig. Serve chilled.