Real Lemonade Recipe

The BEST homemade lemonade recipe! Perfect for any season, this refreshing drink is bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Made with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser, whether you prefer classic or pink lemonade. A cherished recipe from a church cookbook, now shared with you!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Calories 155.5 kcal

Protein 0g

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The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Real Lemonade

Granulated Sugar
1 cup boiling water
Lemon Zest
Juice of 8 lemons
6 cups cold water
Ice Cubes

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How to Make Real Lemonade

Boil 1 cup of water in a saucepan.
Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until completely dissolved.
Add the zest of 4 lemons and the juice of 8 lemons to the sugar syrup.
Let the mixture steep for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In a large pitcher, combine the lemon mixture with 6 cups of cold water and 4 cups of ice.
Stir gently to combine.
For pink lemonade, add 1/2 cup of cranberry juice or grenadine to the pitcher and stir.
Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh mint and/or a cherry (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

0 g

Sugar

154g

Fat

Carbs

13g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Drinks & Cocktails Salmon Recipes The Americas American Southern Vegetarian Gluten Free Spring Recipes Summer Recipes 30 Minutes Or Less

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Real Lemonade?

Real Lemonade takes about 45 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Real Lemonade?

Real Lemonade has approximately 155.5 calories per serving, with about 0 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates and 0 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Real Lemonade?

The key ingredients for Real Lemonade are Granulated Sugar, Boiling Water, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice, Cold Water, Ice Cubes. See the full list with measurements above.