How To Make Lemonade with Lemon Juice

If you grew up drinking lemonade from a can or making it with powdered mix or frozen concentrate, you may not be familiar with how to make lemonade with lemon juice.

Making lemonade from fresh squeezed lemon juice is actually very easy.

I think it tastes a lot better than what you make from concentrate or powdered lemonade flavored mixes too.

All you need to make fresh lemonade is a few lemons, water, and sugar.

I first began making homemade lemonade here in Phoenix, where fresh lemons are so plentiful in season.

I have several friends with mature lemon trees who are always willing to share their bounty with me.

It’s such a treat to have big bowl of fresh lemons available for use in the kitchen.

They can be used in so many ways – homemade lemonade, salad dressings, marinades, iced tea, cakes, cookies, muffins – or just squeezing on salads and vegetables.

Fresh squeezed lemon juice has a way of brightening whatever foods and drinks it comes in contact with.

Some people like sweet lemonade, while others prefer it more tart. Cold lemonade is the perfect refresher in hot weather, while hot lemonade can be the perfect way to start the day or nurse a cold.

The nice thing about making lemonade with lemon juice is that you can adjust the amounts of sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice to get your fresh lemonade just the way you like it.  You can make fresh lemonade in large batches or one glass at a time.

All you really need to do is make a large batch of sugar syrup* and store it in the refrigerator, where it will keep for months, then you can have fresh lemonade with lemon juice in minutes anytime you want it.

Fresh Lemonade Recipe

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1-1/2 – 2 tablespoons sugar syrup**
• 1 cup water

For cold lemonade, stir the lemon juice, sugar syrup, and water in a glass until it is combined and add ice. For hot lemonade, combine lemon juice and sugar syrup with boiling water in a mug until it is combined.

**Making sugar syrup is easy. Just combine equal parts of sugar and water in a small saucepan placed over medium high heat until it comes to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before using. Store syrup in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Makes one 10-ounce serving of fresh lemonade

Source: The Fannie Farmer Cookbook: Anniversary

Once you are familiar with how to make lemonade with lemon juice, you’ll want to keep this Lemon Squeezer handy.

It makes squeezing fresh lemons quick and easy. Insert half a lemon at a time and press down. It turns the lemon inside out and you get all the juice in seconds without the seeds and pulp. It’s a must have if you love fresh squeezed lemonade.