Homemade Lemonade

in Beverages, Citrus, Lemon

Basil & Mint Lemonade

Lemonade is one of those beverages that have the ability to transform your mood almost instantly. 103 degrees outside? Make lemonade. It’ll still be 103 degrees outside but I promise that, for a few minutes, you’ll no longer care.

Homemade lemonade is such a simple drink to make. Our favorite lemonade packs a lemony punch – it’s tart and not overly watered down. It has just enough sugar to help balance the lemon but not kill the tartness.

You need just three ingredients: lemon juice, water, and sugar. And if you want to turn it up just a wee bit, use half sparkling water and a sprig of mint or basil. Or rosemary. Or thyme. Every one of those herbs can subtly transform a pitcher of lemonade into an extraordinary drink.

Homemade Lemonade

Refreshing homemade lemonade lightly flavored with fresh mint.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cups water, divided
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Fresh herbs, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pour lemon juice into a small pitcher or carafe.
  2. Add 2 1/2 cups water to the lemon juice.
  3. Heat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water over medium heat just until the sugar has completely dissolved.
  4. Pour the simple syrup into the pitcher and stir.
  5. Taste for sweeteness/tartness and add additional sugar or water, if desired.
  6. Add ice and fresh herbs to individual glasses and serve.

Notes

Yields: 4 Servings

Source: Confections of a Foodie Bride

Estimated time: 10 minutes

Here are some fun variations on lemonade:
Watermelon Lemonade – with or without vodka or tequila, this is always the hit at our summer parties.
Fresh Herbed Lemonade (What’s Cookin’, Chicago)
Sparkling Strawberry lemonade (Pink Parsley)
Raspberry Lemonade Punch (Sing for Your Supper)

19 comments… add one
  • So simple but so delicious!

  • Luv the pic

  • Lauren

    Could you replace the sugar with a sugar substitute, like Splenda? Would it change the amount that you add? I would love to make this but have to watch my sugar intake.

    • Splenda is sweeter than sugar, ounce-for-ounce right? I would add all ingredients to the pitcher and sweeten the entire pitcher to taste (or individual glass) by stirring in the Splenda.

  • that looks delish! i love adding a little fruit puree to my lemonade too!
    my lemonade never turns out that yellow though…i might have to search for meyer lemons or something else to try!

  • It was CARAZY hot this past Saturday and I saw a little boy on the street corner selling lemonade. I was in my workout gear with no money but it totally made me smile. I’m sure a sip of the stuff (especially fancified, like yours) would make me forget all about that humidity and heat 🙂

  • Amanda

    I use mint infused simple syrup when I make lemonade!

  • Your photography is fabulous! I love ALL the drinks on your site!

  • I know ..lemonade can make you happy in a minute! Gorgeous picture btw 🙂

  • Kennedy

    Lemonade stand, here I come! This looks great!

  • This looks so gorgeous and refreshing – perfect in the garden on a hot summer day!

  • I am so seriously jealous of your photography skills. Gorgeous.

  • This looks like a delicious and refreshing summertime treat. And, I never thought about adding other herbs in, but I love that idea. You’re blog is one of my favorites, Shawnda!

  • Mmm so refreshing!

  • Nothing says summer to me than lemonade! This looks so good. Gonna have to try it!

  • Nothing better than home made lemonade! Just bought a bag of lemons and I’m hankering for some right now.

  • I love making my own lemonade! So tasty.

  • Mandy

    Made this Friday night (added some vodka, too–couldn’t resist!). I have some left and will enjoy the rest today. Super easy…will make again.

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