Homemade Lemonade
Why this recipe works
- Balanced sharpness: Simple syrup sweetens the lemon juice evenly, giving a smoother result than stirring sugar directly into cold liquid.
- Bright citrus flavour: Fresh lemon juice keeps the drink clean and zesty, while chilling softens the acidity before serving.
- Easy to prepare ahead: The lemon and syrup base can be chilled in advance, then topped with sparkling water just before serving.
Get the most out of this recipe
Timing notes
- Cool the syrup fully: Let the syrup reach room temperature before adding it to the lemon juice so the citrus flavour stays fresh.
- Chill before serving: The lemonade base tastes best properly cold, as chilling helps the sweetness and acidity settle into balance.
- Serve after adding fizz: Add sparkling water only at the last moment so the lemonade stays lively and well carbonated.
Ingredient notes
- Choose juicy lemons: Firm, heavy lemons usually give good juice and a clean, bright flavour.
- Adjust the syrup to taste: For a sharper lemonade, stir in most of the syrup first, then add more only if needed.
- Still or sparkling: Sparkling water gives a lighter, fizzy finish, while still water makes a more classic flat lemonade.
Make-ahead tips
- Make the base in advance: Prepare the lemon and syrup mixture ahead and keep it covered in the fridge until needed.
- Keep the fizz separate: Store the lemon base without sparkling water, then dilute each glass or jug just before serving.
- Best when freshly mixed: Once sparkling water has been added, the lemonade is best served straight away while cold and fizzy.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the water and caster sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Warm, whisking, until the sugar fully dissolves, then bring to a brief simmer for 1 minute. Take off the heat and leave the syrup to cool to room temperature.
- Juice the lemons, then strain the juice through a sieve into a jug to catch any pips. Stir in the cooled syrup. Cover and chill until properly cold.
- To serve, stir the lemon base, then divide between glasses. Top up with sparkling water and give each glass a gentle stir. Serve straight away while cold and fizzy.
Recipe notes
Tips
- Cool the syrup fully before mixing with the lemon juice so the flavour stays bright and fresh.
- For a less sweet lemonade, start by adding three quarters of the syrup to the lemon juice, taste, then add the rest if you want it sweeter.
Substitutions
- Replace Sparkling Water with Water for a still lemonade.
- Replace Caster sugar with Granulated sugar; warm it a little longer so it dissolves completely.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Store the lemon and syrup base (before adding Sparkling Water) in a covered jug in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add Sparkling Water only when serving so it stays fizzy.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 4 glasses
- Total time: 1h 15min (15min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: American
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