Just the word “lemonade” brings back childhood memories of lazy, country summer days in Elberton, Ga. We went there every summer to visit family and if you asked for something to drink, you’d better believe it was gonna be well water, sweet iced tea or a chilled mason jar full of old fashioned , homemade lemonade!
My great grandfather would down sweating glasses of lemonade back to back while sitting on the porch, swatting flies and spittin’ tobacco. That was one of his favorite ways to past time.
A pitcher of good old fashioned, homemade lemonade was one of the first drinks I learned how to make as a child. I pretty much taught myself. I mean how hard is lemons, sugar and water, ya know. The hardest part is getting that perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Simmering the zest creates a really pretty yellow color without having to use a powdered mix or food coloring and it also add a nice tang to the lemonade.
This homemade lemonade recipe is such a classic. It creates one amazing pitcher of sweet, tart, and refreshing lemonade!
And while you’re at it don’t forget to check out my recipe for old fashioned strawberry lemonade!
Watch me make this easy homemade lemonade from start to finish!
The Recipe
Easy Homemade Lemonade- My FAVORITE!
By Divas Can Cook
Ingredients
- 8 lemons, plus more for garnishing if desired
- 1½ - 2 cups sugar
- 6 cups water, divided
Instructions
- Wash lemons thoroughly.
- Roll lemons firmly on a hard surface until they become soft. This will make them easier to juice.
- Zest 2-3 lemons. Set aside
- In a pot over medium heat, add sugar, lemon zest and 2 cups of water.
- Simmer lightly for about 5 minutes or until sugar has dissolves and the mixture has a light yellow color. Do not boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Juice the lemons.
- Strain the lemon juice into a large pitcher.
- Strain the sugar mixture into the large pitcher.
- Add in 4 cups of cold water.
- Taste to make sure it's not too sweet for ya, if so add more water.
- Fill chilled glasses with ice and pour in the lemonade!
- Garnish each glass with sliced lemons.
- Store in the refrigerator.
That was the best lemonade I have ever tasted. Just perfect..the zest really adds an amazing flavor. Can’t wait to try it with Vodka and sparkling water this summer. Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
I like to add some fresh sliced Ginger and sometimes if I’m feeling spicy I’ll throw in two to three whole cloves into the boiling water
How much lemonade does this recipe make? I am doing my assessment and need to know quantity please.
This recipe is perfect! Espeically in the summer! lol. Anyways thank you for sharing this recipe. My sister who is about fourish did it with me and it was the best! Thank you for making this one of our best summers! But I wanted to ask why did you not tell us how much the lemon zest weighed in all? Besides the question perfect recipe. I would tell everyone in my family to try it!
Did you know my grandpa tom? Grandma used fresh and very cold water from our well so cold your teeth hurt???? boy as that some good lemonade!
Thank you for that memory. Now I will try your recipe!! Lip
Hi I love the way the sugar is melted with warm water years ago I was making it with cold water and not using the correct amount of lemons, I’m so thankful I this recipe ….I love the ingredients you use to do your foods. Thanks.. ill be making lemonade today.
How much does this recipe make?!
I only had two lemons but it was the best thing that I’ve ever tasted thankyou sooooo much xx