This old-fashioned lemonade will bring back those sweet childhood memories of sunny summer picnics, pool parties, and running through the sprinkler. Lemonade is the perfect quencher for all those warm summer days.

Maybe you remember visiting some lemonade stands or even making some of your own! This simple delicious recipe is the perfect drink and makes enough to serve a crowd!

How to make homemade lemonade

Homemade lemonade is a super simple process to make and is the perfect drink for sunny weather! It only requires 3 ingredients!

We are going to mix lemon juice, water, and a sweetener. For this recipe I am going to be using white sugar. If you want to make a healthier version, see the chart below for white sugar alternatives and amounts to use

A sugar conversion chart one column is green and one is pink

How to store homemade lemonade

Refrigerator

Store homemade lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Freezer

You can store homemade lemonade in the freezer for longer storage. Keep in mind that as the liquid freezes it will slightly expand, so fill your container accordingly.

Store the for up to 3 months.

Canning

Canning lemonade using canning jars and a water bath is an excellent way to preserve lemonade for an extended period of time, while keeping it shelf stable.

To preserve your lemonade concentrate follow your canning method and equipment guidelines.

Two canning jars with yellow liquid inside. There are lemons in the foreground.

Making concentrated lemonade syrup

Making a concentrated lemonade syrup makes for easier storage, since the amount is reduced by half. Since this recipe is an easy 1:1 ratio you can easily mix each glass as you need it!

Make each glass to taste with more or less water added in.

For a more sophisticated version, mix your concentrate with soda water, sparkling water, or water from a SodaStream!

A pitcher of lemonade with lemon slices inside. In the foreground there is a glass with ice, a lemon slice and liquid inside.

Alternatives and Add-ins for extra special lemonade

Add some new and interesting flavours to put a spin on your favourite glass of lemonade by adding different fruits, herbs, and flavourings.

Mint leaves ~ Crush some mint leaves to add that delightful cooling flavour and aroma to your glass.
Lavender ~ Add beautiful floral notes to your drink by adding soothing lavender.
Fresh fruit ~ Raspberries, strawberries, peaches, and watermelon are a favourite addition to lemon. These sweet juicy summer fruits can either be added fresh or use the juice to transform your lemonade into something really special.
Make it sparkling ~ Adding sparkling water, club soda, sparkling wine, or even adding the concentrate to your prepared soda stream water. Transform your drink into a more sophisticated drink.
Adult beverages ~ For summer Sunday brunch add some vodka, gin, or bourbon for an adult get together.

A large pitcher of lemonade on a wooden table. There is a glass of lemonade in front. A sealed jar of lemonade and sliced lemons.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Lemonade

6 lemons

2 lbs white sugar (900 g)

7 cups boiling water (1.7 L)

1 lemon sliced (garnish, optional)

Method

Cut in half and juice 6 lemons.
Cut the left over lemon scraps into large rough chunks.
Bring a large pot and 7 cups of water to a boil.
Add the juice, lemon chunks, and sugar.

A woman pouring juice from lemons through a metal strainer.

Some lemons cut into quarters. They are on a white floral plate.

5. Remove from heat.

6. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

7. Leave the mixture to steep and cool. About 30-60 minutes.

A small strainer over a glass canning jar

8. Stir occasionally.

9. Strain and pour into sealable jars.

A strainer overtop of a glass canning jar.

A woman screwing a lid onto a glass canning jar. The jar has yellow liquid inside.

10. To serve, add half of the the mixture diluted with half water, 1:1 ratio.

11. Serve over ice with sliced lemon as garnish.

12. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Transfer to the freezer or use a home canner for longer storage.