Homemade Lemonade Recipe | Cooking with Nana Ling

On a warm day there is nothing more welcome than a large and refreshing glass of iced homemade lemonade.

Whether you’re planning a lemonade stand or just want some old-fashioned lemonade for lunch, this recipe is for you.

The recipe for old-fashioned homemade lemonade

There are several methods you can use to make your own homemade lemonade using fresh lemons.

Some recipes involve squeezing, others soaking.

Some have the pulp and seeds removed, while others have whole lemons sliced.

However, all of the older recipes use boiling water instead of cold water to make lemonade.

Here are a few ways to make lemonade as published in Tasmania’s Daily Telegraph in 1908.

I borrowed the second method but clarified the quantities and added an abbreviation – so please keep scrolling to the recipe card at the bottom of this post for this homemade lemonade recipe.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade

It’s the proverbial phrase we pull out when we need to dig deep and turn our adversity into something positive.

However, we can also take this sentence quite literally. When we have plenty of lemons, making lemonade is a wonderful way to enjoy them.

Yes, if I have (enough) lemons, I make lemonade!

And homemade lemonade not only tastes great, it also holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Lemonade stands are a symbol of young children’s entrepreneurial spirit. For years they have been placed on roadsides and festivals to make some money and create something for the whole community to enjoy.

Movies with lemonade stands

• Stand by Me (1986) – Some boys set up a lemonade stand as part of their summer vacation adventures.
• Little giants (1994) – a group of young children sell lemonade to raise money for their soccer team.
• problem child (1990) – a mischievous boy named Junior sets up a lemonade stand to raise money for charity (but wreaks havoc in the process).
• Adult (2010) – A group of childhood friends reunite after many years and one of the characters, played by Adam Sandler, sets up a lemonade stand with his son.

If you’re making lemonade for sale, simply increase volumes based on expected demand. This recipe calls for 3 lemons and makes about 8 medium glasses of lemonade.

Ingredients for old-fashioned lemonade

To prepare lemonade you will need:

• Lemons
• Sugar (Shaker/fine sugar is ideal)
• boiling water.

That’s it!

How to make homemade lemonade

This is the easiest and most effective way to make lemonade.

You will need the ingredients as well as a bowl or jug.

Wash lemons and wipe with a clean cloth.

Next, slice the lemons (as pictured below) and add to the bowl or pitcher.

Sprinkle the sugar over the lemons and then douse with boiling water.

Stir to ensure the sugar dissolves.

Leave for 20-30 minutes.

You can leave the lemonade longer, but there is a risk that it will add too much bitterness to your lemonade.

You will find that for most recipes with a longer standing time, the pith and pits also need to be removed.

I like this recipe because it provides maximum sweet lemonade flavor in the least amount of time and with less effort.

Pour into a serving pitcher. Use a colander to remove lemon slices, or a muslin cloth to strain them if you want to remove the pulp as well—it’s a personal preference.

Reserve some lemon slices for garnish.

Place your lemonade in the refrigerator to cool.

Serve with ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and a few sprigs of mint.

Variation Ideas

This homemade lemonade recipe is easy to customize to suit your tastes.

Consider adding:

• less sugar for a less sweet lemonade
• more sugar for a sweeter lemonade
• rose water or Orange Blossom Water for a floral note
• mint or basil add to the lemon slices and sugar before adding the boiling water for a fresh lemon flavor
• some sliced ​​strawberries or whole berries to the jug
• some Honey for a lemon honey refreshment
• some extra lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Q. How long does fresh homemade lemonade last?

It should keep in the fridge for up to a week.

Q. Can you freeze homemade lemonade?

Yes, freeze for up to six months.

Q. What kind of lemon makes the best homemade lemonade?

The best lemon varieties are the ones you grow in your own backyard, which are chemical free and cost you nothing!

Meyer Lemons And Eureka Lemons are two commonly available lemon varieties. Both make great homemade lemonade, but consider their differences when deciding which is best for you:

• A cross between a regular lemon and a tangerine, Meyer lemons have a thin, smooth, and deep yellow to orange peel. Eureka lemons, on the other hand, are true lemons with a thick, textured, and bright yellow peel.
• Eureka Lemons have a traditional lemon flavor commonly associated with lemonade and other citrus-based recipes. Meyer lemons, on the other hand, have a sweeter and less sour taste and a fragrant, slightly floral aroma in comparison.

Q. Do you have other lemon recipes?

Naturally! Check out my recipes for Lemon Mint Liqueur, Lemon Delicious, Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Muffins, Lemon Meringue Slice, Lemon Jam, Lemon Slice, Lemon Pie, Lemon Glazed Banana Cake, and Lemon Curd.