There’s just something magical about a tall glass of homemade lemonade, isn’t there? It brings back memories of sunny afternoons, backyard picnics, and the simple sweetness of childhood. For me, making a batch of lemonade from scratch is more than just mixing ingredients; it’s like bottling up sunshine in a pitcher. That’s why I’m so excited to share my favorite Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe with you today. It’s the kind of recipe that’s been passed down, the one that always tastes just right. Every time I make it, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of lemons and laughter. It’s a recipe steeped in love and simple goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple, requiring just a few basic things you probably have on hand. It whips up in a flash, perfect for those sudden lemonade cravings. And the taste? Pure, refreshing goodness. It’s the classic flavor you remember, bright and tangy and perfectly sweet.

Super simple ingredients
Takes almost no time to make
So incredibly refreshing

Ingredients for Your Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this sunshine in a glass. It’s a short and sweet list, which is part of its charm. You’ll want some good, fresh lemons – I usually grab about 6 to 8 to get the right amount of juice. Speaking of juice, you’ll need 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice. Squeezing them yourself makes a huge difference! Then, grab 1 cup of granulated sugar. We’re also using 6 cups of cold water. And don’t forget ice! Lemon slices are optional for making it look extra pretty.

1.5 cups fresh lemon juice (from about 6-8 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar
6 cups cold water
Ice
Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed for This Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this lemonade! Just a few kitchen basics will do. I always grab a good-sized pitcher to mix everything in. You’ll also need some measuring cups and spoons to get your ingredients just right. That’s really it! Simple tools for a simple, delicious drink.

How to Make Your Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bought lemonade from the store. Grab your pitcher and let’s get started.

First things first, get that fresh lemon juice ready. Pour the 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice into your pitcher.
Next, add the 1 cup of granulated sugar right into the pitcher with the lemon juice.
Now, grab a spoon or a whisk and stir, stir, stir! You want to mix it really well until you can’t see any sugar crystals hanging out at the bottom. It takes a minute or two.
Once the sugar is dissolved, pour in the 6 cups of cold water. Give it another good stir to make sure everything is happy and mixed together.
This is the important part: taste it! Dip a spoon in and take a sip. Does it taste just right? Maybe you like it a little sweeter, or maybe a little tarter. Now’s the time to add a little more sugar or a splash more lemon juice if you need to. Keep tasting and adjusting until it’s perfect for you.
When you’re ready to serve, fill your glasses with plenty of ice.
Pour the lemonade over the ice.
If you want to make it look extra special, pop a lemon slice on the rim of the glass.

See? So simple! And now you have a pitcher of amazing homemade lemonade ready to enjoy.

Pro Tips for the Best Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Making lemonade is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it even better. One thing I always do is taste and adjust the sweetness. Everyone likes their lemonade a little different, right? So don’t be shy about adding a bit more sugar if you like it sweeter, or a little extra lemon juice if you prefer a tarter kick. Another great tip, especially if you find the sugar doesn’t dissolve easily, is to make a simple syrup first. Just heat equal parts sugar and water until the sugar is totally gone, let it cool down, and use that instead of plain sugar. It mixes in like a dream and gives me perfect results every time. Letting your lemonade chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving also helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Got questions about making this classic drink? Here are a few common ones I hear!

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but for that truly fresh, old-fashioned taste, I really recommend using fresh-squeezed lemons. It makes a world of difference in the brightness of the flavor.

How long does homemade lemonade last?

Kept in a covered pitcher in the fridge, your homemade lemonade should stay fresh for about 5-7 days. Just give it a good stir before serving as the sugar might settle a bit.

How can I make it less sweet?

Easy! When you’re doing the taste test in step 5, just add a little more cold water until it’s the perfect level of sweetness for you.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! Lemonade is great on its own, but it’s also a fantastic base for adding berries like strawberries or raspberries, or even some fresh mint for a different twist.

Variations on Your Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Now that you’ve mastered the classic, let’s have some fun with variations! This Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe is a wonderful base for adding other flavors. I love tossing in some fresh berries; mashed strawberries or raspberries are amazing stirred in. For a nice twist, try adding a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil while it chills – it gives it a subtle, refreshing hint of herbs. You could also try adding a splash of cranberry juice for a pretty pink color and tangy flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your own signature lemonade!

Estimated Nutrition Information

Just a quick note about the nutrition details for this Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe. The information provided is an estimate based on the ingredients listed.

Keep in mind that the actual nutrition can vary depending on the specific lemons you use and the brand of sugar. If you adjust the amount of sugar, that will change the values too. It’s a good guideline, but not an exact science!

Enjoy Your Homemade Lemonade

Well, there you have it! My go-to Old-Fashioned Homemade Lemonade Recipe. It’s a simple pleasure, really, but sometimes those are the best kind. I hope you give this recipe a try and that it brings a little bit of sunshine into your day, just like it does for me. There’s nothing quite like that first sip of cold, tangy, sweet homemade goodness.

If you make this lemonade, please let me know how you liked it! Leave a comment below or share a picture on social media. I love seeing your kitchen creations. Happy squeezing!