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–+ servings

Old-Fashioned Lemonade

This homemade lemonade is bright, tart, and naturally refreshing—just like Grandma used to make. A perfect balance of sweet and citrusy, it’s the ultimate drink for warm weather, celebrations, or a simple slow afternoon on the porch.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Serving Size 6 cups

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice from about 5–6 lemons
  • ¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar or honey adjust to taste
  • 4 –5 cups cold water
  • Ice for serving
  • Lemon slices and fresh mint optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Juice the lemons. Roll each lemon on the counter to loosen the juices, then cut and squeeze them until you get 1 full cup of juice. Strain to remove seeds if desired.
  • Sweeten the juice. In a pitcher, stir the lemon juice with sugar or honey until it is fully dissolved. Alternatively, you can heat 1 cup of water on the stove to make a simple syrup if you prefer.
  • Add water. Pour in the remaining 3–4 cups of cold water, stir, and taste. Adjust sugar or water to suit your taste preferences.
  • Serve. Fill glasses with ice, then pour the lemonade over them, and garnish with lemon slices or mint.

Notes

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, reduce the water slightly.
  • To make it a sparkling lemonade, replace 2 cups of cold water with carbonated water.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days.