I absolutely love a glass of cool, refreshing homemade traditional lemonade on a hot day. This is a really easy, no cook and make ahead traditional lemonade recipe which should keep you supplied with deliciousness on those hot summer days.
Simple Ingredients
This recipe only has three simple ingredients, lemons, sugar and water. No added nasties that you might find in shop bought lemonade. Lemon juice is full of vitamin C so, although this drink will give you a bit of a sugar hit, it does have some goodness in there too! There are no artificial colours or preservatives so it's great recipe if you are looking to consume more natural foods.
Make ahead
Nothing beats this traditional homemade lemonade recipe. This favourite recipe of mine is courtesy of Delia Smith. It's so easy to do and totally delicious. You just need to be prepared and start making it the evening before ideally. This works out well for me, I don't need to spend a hot day in the kitchen cooking up lemonade, it's really easy to make a batch in the evening when I'm boiling the kettle for my evening drink and whip up a batch of this to keep overnight in the fridge until the morning. It's perfect for a summer's day or any day in my opinion! The children absolutely love it - and it's great to serve to friends in the garden over some ice and a slice of lemon.
Ingredients
- lemons
- caster sugar
- Boiling water
For exact quantities see the recipe below.
Method
Peel the rind of the lemons with a potato peeler, taking care not to get too much of the white pith. Place this in a jug with 2.5 pints of boiling water, the sugar, and the juice of the lemons. Cover and leave to soak for as long as possible or overnight in a cool place.
Strain and serve. Yum Yum!
PrintHomemade Traditional Lemonade
I absolutely love a glass of cool, refreshing homemade traditional lemonade on a hot day. This is a really easy, no cook and make ahead traditional lemonade recipe which should keep you supplied with deliciousness on those hot summer days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Instructions
Peel the rind of the lemons with a potato peeler, taking care not to get too much of the white pith. Place this in a jug with 2.5 pints of boiling water, the sugar, and the juice of the lemons. Cover and leave to soak for as long as possible or overnight in a cool place.
Strain and serve. Yum Yum!
FAQ's
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Freshly squeezed juice generally gives the best flavor, as it's brighter and more vibrant. However, if you can't access fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. Just note that the taste might be slightly more acidic or less fragrant, so adjust sweetener to taste.
How many lemons should I use?
This recipe usually calls for about 4-6 medium lemons to get enough juice (roughly 1 cup). The exact number varies based on how large and juicy your lemons are. If you like a more pronounced lemon flavor, feel free to squeeze in a bit more.
How sweet is this lemonade, and can I adjust the sugar level?
The recipe is moderately sweet. If you prefer a tangier flavor, reduce the sugar or sweetener slightly. You can also try healthier alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute-just add slowly and taste as you go.
What if my lemonade is too tart or too sweet?
Too Tart? Mix in a bit more sugar (or sweetener) or dilute with extra water.
Too Sweet? Add more lemon juice or additional cold water to balance out the sugar level.
Can I serve this lemonade hot as well?
Traditionally, lemonade is served chilled over ice. However, you can warm it gently for a soothing drink-especially if you're adding honey and ginger. Just don't boil it, as that can cook off the fresh flavor of the lemon.
How long can I store homemade lemonade?
Store any leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the flavor may start to change, and it may lose some of its freshness.
Is it okay to use sparkling water instead of still water?
Absolutely! Using sparkling or carbonated water adds a fun fizz and turns it into a homemade "sparkling lemonade." Just stir carefully to keep the carbonation from dissipating too quickly.
Can I add other fruits or flavors to this recipe?
Yes. Popular additions include fresh strawberries, raspberries, mint leaves, or even lavender. Muddle these extras lightly in the bottom of your pitcher or glass before adding the lemonade for an infused twist.
Do I need to boil the water and sugar first?
Some people create a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in a small amount of hot water before mixing with lemon juice and cold water; this ensures the sugar dissolves fully. If you prefer a shortcut, you can dissolve sugar directly into cold water-just stir well and check for any undissolved granules.
How do I serve the lemonade for a party or gathering?
For a crowd, make a large batch ahead of time, then chill it thoroughly. Serve in a clear pitcher or beverage dispenser with plenty of ice. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh mint, or even colorful fruit slices to make it more festive.
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