Old-Fashioned Lemonade

There’s nothing more Southern in the summertime than a tall glass of sweet iced tea… unless you count a glass of Old-Fashioned Lemonade. This classic drink is refreshingly simple, made with just three ingredients, but delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tart that instantly cools you down. Around here, you’ll find it served in everything from a fancy glass pitcher to an old pickle jar, maybe even stirred with a stick. However you serve it, homemade lemonade turns an ordinary afternoon into something special.

Thirsty for more Southern sips? Try this Southern Sweet Tea, Sugar-Free Peach Lemonade, and Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate!

To make this homemade lemonade recipe, you’ll make a quick sugar syrup, stir it into water and lemon juice, and you’re done. Fresh-squeezed lemons are wonderful if you have the time, but bottled lemon juice works just fine too. This recipe makes a smooth, refreshing lemonade that you can enjoy as-is, dress up with herbs or fruit, or even turn into a cocktail. In about 10 minutes, you’ll have a pitcher of sunshine ready to pour over ice.

Before You Get Started

• Stir the sugar constantly: Don’t stop stirring the syrup until the sugar is dissolved. Otherwise, it can scorch and make the lemonade bitter.
• Prevent glass breakage: Add a few inches of cold water to your pitcher before pouring in the hot syrup. This keeps the pitcher safe from cracking.
• Fresh lemons tip: If using fresh lemons, roll them firmly on the counter before juicing. This helps release more juice.
• Make it pretty: Garnish with lemon slices, a sprig of mint, or even a cherry for a fun touch.

Recipe Ingredients

• Lemon juice
• Granulated sugar
• Water

How to Make Old-Fashioned Lemonade

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup water and sugar. Bring just to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear.

2. Pour 2–3 inches of cold water into a 2-quart pitcher. Add the lemon juice and sugar syrup. Stir well.
3. Fill the rest of the pitcher with cold water. Chill or serve immediately over ice.

Recipe Variations and Notes

• Fresh lemon juice: You’ll need 6–8 lemons for this recipe.
• Limeade: Swap lemon juice for lime juice.
• Strawberry lemonade: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh strawberry purée.
• Lavender lemonade: Steep 2 tablespoons dried lavender in the sugar syrup, then strain before adding to the pitcher.
• Sparkling lemonade: Use sparkling water instead of still water.
• Cocktail version: Add a shot of vodka to your glass for an adults-only twist.
• Extra lemon flavor: Add lemon zest or a lemon rind to the sugar syrup while it cooks, then strain before using.

Storage

• Fridge: Store in the pitcher, covered, for up to 7 days.
• Ice cubes: Freeze leftover lemonade into ice cubes to add to future drinks.

FAQs

Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?

Not at all. Bottled lemon juice works perfectly in this recipe. Freshly squeezed lemons do give a slightly brighter flavor, but both options are delicious.

Why do I need to make a sugar syrup?

Dissolving the sugar in hot water makes the lemonade smoother. If you add sugar directly to cold water, it won’t dissolve properly and the lemonade will taste grainy.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just keep the same ratio of sugar, lemon juice, and water. Use a large pitcher or divide into two smaller ones.

How can I make this less sweet?

Start with less sugar syrup and add more water to taste. Homemade lemonade is easy to adjust.