Skip the bottled ones and master the skill of HOW TO MAKE LEMONADE at home. Learn the old-fashioned way PLUS other thirst-quenching lemonade variations to kick off your summer escapades. You’re just one squeeze away from this natural refreshing drink!
As the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!”. I don’t know about you, but this summer season, I feel like a fresh-squeezed lemonade drink would really quench my thirst and I want nothing more but the “quenchiest” homemade lemonade.
Today, I want to share with you my easy peasy lemon squeezy lemonade recipes so you can also escape the summer heat!
Getting the Right Lemons
In different parts of the world, lemons are used in almost everything. From food to cosmetics, and even as a cleaning agent. Lemons are undeniably versatile. I can still remember my 8th-grade science project, I used lemon juice to make a baking soda fountain. How is this relevant to a food blog? Well, I’ll tell you more about it below.
Of course, you’re gonna need lemons for your lemonade, so I suggest you pick the right ones. Whether it’s from the farm or the grocery store, you could tell if you have a fresh one or a bad nugget.
Give it a Light Squeeze. It shouldn’t be rock hard. When you squeeze it, it should be a bit squishy but still firm.
Bright and Sunny. When you look at it, it should have a bright yellow color. The brighter the yellow, the better.
Check the Skin. Always go for the smooth-skinned ones rather than the rougher ones. As the lemons get older, it gets soggy and rougher which also means that it’s losing its juice. (Hey, this sounds familiar…🤔)
Size Doesn’t Matter. Size matters in one way or the other. But for lemons, the smaller ones usually give off more juice.
Pro Tip: To get the most juice out of the lemons, roll them around on a chopping board while lightly pressing down. This loosens the lemon and gives you more juice from every pulp.
How to Make Lemonade from Scratch
Homemade lemonade is one of the easiest drinks you could make. You can even start your own lemonade business with this golden sour drops. So, let’s start making your drink!
For this fresh lemonade recipe, we will need…
- Lemons, and a lot of lemons (around 4 to 5 good ones)
- Ice cold water
- Either homemade simple syrup or about a cup of granulated sugar
I personally prefer using my own homemade simple syrup. Just mix in together equal parts of lemon juice and icy water and add simple syrup to taste. As simple as that! You’ll have your thirst-quenching lemonade drink in no time.
And if you prefer using granulated sugar, just mix the sugar and the lemon juice completely before adding in the ice-cold water. And there you have it. Your own fresh homemade lemonade!
Lemonade variations
Fresh squeezed lemonade is so popular that it has different variations throughout the world. Here are just a few ideas that you can try at home:
Strawberry Lemonade – The sweet and tartness of this drink makes it a family-favorite especially during warmer days. Just use about 2-3 cups of strawberries, then puree or juice them before adding into your lemonade mixture. RECIPE HERE
Mango Lemonade – This lemonade drink will surely tantalize your taste buds. Simply puree chopped mangoes along with the lemon juice, sugar (or honey if you want it healthier), and water. And voila! Summery bright yellow mango lemonade to keep you cool. RECIPE HERE
Pineapple Lemonade – Fresh pineapples are truly a summer staple. And when you add it to your lemonade, you’ll have one sweet, fruity, tart drink that screams tropical vacation. RECIPE HERE
But why stop there, when you can add other ingredients, too. Oh yesss! Other than those 3 above, you can also try mixing other ingredients into your easy lemonade recipes like ginger, lemongrass, cucumber slices, basil and last, but not least, baking soda. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Lemonade
To get the most juice out of your lemons roll them on a cutting board while pressing it down. Cut the lemon in half and then juice lemons with a lemon juicer or you can equally squeeze with your hands, a little elbow grease wouldn’t hurt. Add to a measuring cup.
Then pour into a pitcher, followed by water and simple syrup to taste. If using granulated sugar add sugar, mix with lemon juice, then add water last. Stir to fully combine.
Slice the lemons and add them to the pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to be used.
How to Make Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 large lemons)
- 4-5 cups icy water
Sweetener (Pick one)
- simple syrup
- ¾ - 1 cup granulated sugar or more (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- To get the most juice out of your lemons roll them on a cutting board while pressing it down
- Cut the lemon in half and then juice lemons with lemon juicer or you can equally squeeze with your hands, a little elbow grease wouldn’t hurt. Add to a measuring cup.
- Then pour into a pitcher, followed by water and simple syrup to taste. If using granulated sugar add sugar, mix with lemon juice, then add water last. Stir to fully combine
- Slice lemon and add them to the pitcher. Refrigerate until ready to be used.
Wendy Gordon says
I actually made lemonade yesterday!! Thanks for sharing your simple recipe. Definitely gonna try it next time with one of the variations offered. Cheers!
ImmaculateBites says
That’s great! Can’t wait for you to try out the other versions. I am sure you will love them :)!
Wendy says
Hola Imma! Ya está aquí el calor y una limonada es la mejor opción. Deliciosa , refrescante y saludable . Besitos
ImmaculateBites says
¡Refrescante de hecho! Gracias Wendy 🙂
Christine Paull says
Thank you so much for these recipes!! I can’t wait to make the Mango Lemonade!! Yahoo!
Aisha says
All i want to say is thank you so much ma.
ImmaculateBites says
You are welcome, Aisha :).
Dave says
Hi. How much simple syrup should I use while following your recipe?
Thank you!
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Dave,
Adjust syrup to suite your taste buds- taste as you add. It’s really a matter of preference.
Dave says
I’ve never used simple syrup but I do have a bottle of it for alcoholic beverages. I’ll start the recipe by not using too much, maybe two table spoons at first. As always thank u so much for sharing and responding. You have become my go to for person for countless recipes.