Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
A quick, refreshing homemade lemonade made with fresh lemons, sugar, and ice — ready in just minutes for the perfect summer drink.
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5–7 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Dietary Badges:
🌱 Vegan
🌾 Gluten-Free
🍹 Refreshing Beverage
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
Large lemons (washed)
Granulated sugar
Hot water
Cold water
Ice (lots!)
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
Wash and cut lemons into wedges (8 slices per lemon).
Place lemon slices and sugar into a large cup or container.
Muddle or press lemon slices firmly to release juice and mix with sugar.
Add hot water, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Stir in cold water and plenty of ice.
Taste and adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
Shake or stir until well combined. Serve chilled.
Additional Notes:
For sweeter lemonade, increase sugar slightly.
If lemons are extra tart, adjust sugar to balance flavor.
Can also substitute honey or agave for sugar.
Brief Introduction
This Fresh Homemade Lemonade is the ultimate thirst quencher — tangy, sweet, and perfectly chilled. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes, you can whip up a glass that’s far better than store-bought. It’s the ideal drink for hot summer days, BBQs, or anytime you want a refreshing pick-me-up.
Step-by-Step Guide
Prepping the Lemons
Wash lemons well (especially if leaving rinds on while muddling).
Cut each lemon into 8 slices for easy juicing.
Muddling & Mixing
Combine lemon slices and sugar in a large cup.
Muddle or squeeze firmly to extract juice and blend with sugar.
Add hot water to dissolve sugar completely.
Finishing the Lemonade
Stir in cold water.
Add lots of ice and shake or stir well.
Taste-test and adjust sweetness as desired.
Tip: Strain out pulp and seeds if you prefer a smoother drink.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Lemons: Fresh is best! Meyer lemons give a naturally sweeter flavor.
Sugar: Adjust to taste. For low-carb or WW-friendly, use monk fruit or erythritol.
Hot Water: Helps dissolve sugar quickly.
Cold Water & Ice: Keep it refreshing — sparkling water also works for fizz.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Mint Lemonade: Add fresh mint leaves while muddling.
Sparkling Lemonade: Use sparkling water instead of still water.
Berry Twist: Add muddled strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Serving Ideas:
Serve in mason jars with lemon slices.
Pair with summer BBQ or picnic meals.
Freeze into ice pops for a kid-friendly treat.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Keep refrigerated up to 2 days. Stir before serving.
Make-Ahead: Prep lemon-sugar base in advance; add water and ice just before serving.
Batch Option: Double or triple ingredients for a pitcher.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per 1 of 2 servings)
Calories: ~90 kcal
Carbs: 24g
Sugar: 21g
Vitamin C: High
🌱 Vegan | 🌾 Gluten-Free | 🍹 Refreshing
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sugar-free?
A: Yes — use stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol instead of sugar.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice?
A: Fresh lemons are best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.
Q: Can I make a pitcher instead of a single serving?
A: Absolutely — just multiply ingredients by 4–6.
Q: How do I make it less tart?
A: Add extra sugar or dilute with more cold water.
Personal Story (Optional)
I started making this quick lemonade one summer afternoon when the heat was unbearable and I wanted something refreshing without heading to the store. It became an instant favorite — especially when I add fresh mint or turn it into a sparkling version.
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