Lemonade
Bright, tangy, and perfectly refreshing — this classic American lemonade is made with just three simple ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice, water, and a touch of sugar create a thirst-quenching drink that beats any store-bought version. Ready in under 10 minutes, it's the ultimate summer cooler.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Juice the lemons.
1.Roll each lemon firmly on the countertop to release the juice.2.Cut lemons in half and juice them until you have about 2/3 cup of fresh lemon juice.3.Strain the juice through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.TIPRoom-temperature lemons yield more juice than cold ones. - mix · ~2 min
Dissolve the sugar.
1.In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and sugar.2.Add 1 cup of warm water and stir vigorously until the sugar completely dissolves.3.Add the pinch of salt — it brightens the lemon flavor without making the drink salty.TIPDissolving the sugar in a little warm water first prevents a grainy drink. - mix · ~1 min
Add remaining water and chill.
1.Pour in the remaining 3 cups of cold water.2.Stir well to combine everything evenly.3.Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed. - serve
Serve over ice.
Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the lemonade over the ice, and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roll lemons on the counter before juicing to maximize juice yield.
- 2Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove seeds and excess pulp for a smooth drink.
- 3Dissolve sugar in a small amount of warm water first to avoid a gritty texture.
- 4A tiny pinch of salt enhances the lemon flavor without making it salty.
- 5Taste and adjust the sugar-to-lemon ratio after adding all the water.
- 6Chill the lemonade thoroughly before serving for the best refreshment.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb-infused
Muddle a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil in the pitcher before adding liquids for a garden-fresh twist.
spicy gingerSpicy ginger
Add 1-2 inches of sliced fresh ginger while dissolving the sugar for a warming, zesty kick.
berry lemonadeBerry lemonade
Muddle a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries and strain into the pitcher for a fruity, colorful variation.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace granulated sugar with a natural zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce sugar without sacrificing sweetness.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice provides a natural dose of vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
Hydrating and Light
This lemonade is made primarily of water, helping to maintain hydration without artificial additives or excessive calories.
Low in Saturated Fat
With no dairy or oils, this drink is naturally free of saturated fat and cholesterol.
Frequently asked questions
Freshly squeezed lemons are strongly recommended for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can taste flat or metallic.
