Old-Fashioned Lemonade

Tart, lemony, and just sweet enough. This lemonade recipe is easy to make with no straining, no syrups, and 3 basic ingredients. It’s kind of a weird technique, but you’ll never go back to another method after you try this one. It’s the absolute best way to get the freshest lemon flavor.

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This easy, refreshing recipe is the classic lemonade you’ve always wanted. So many recipes are too sweet or just don’t taste like lemon. Not this one! It’s just right.

You can try adding other fruits and substituting things. But I love it best just the way it is.

glass of lemonade with ice and garnished with lemon slice and mint leaves.

Ingredients and Tools You’ll Need

Just the basics here, folks. We’re using real fresh lemons. And you’ll need a potato masher. I know. Just trust me.

lemonade ingredients laid out on a countertop.

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Equipment

large pitcher
citrus juicer
potato masher (For mashing lemon slices with sugar. It helps release the oils and essence from the lemon rind.)
fine mesh strainer

Ingredients

2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice, about 10-12 lemons
1 lemon sliced thin
1½ cup granulated sugar
8 cups cold water
lemon slices for garnish
fresh mint leaves optional, for garnish

If you’d like to double or triple this recipe, you can make adjustments in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Old Fashioned Lemonade

Step 1: Squeeze The Lemons

Juice the lemons to make 2 cups of lemon juice and set aside. (Remember you need 1 sliced lemon for step 2.)

Step 2: Mash Sliced Lemon And Sugar

Using a potato masher, mash lemon slices and sugar in a deep bowl until slices release their juice and sugar begins to dissolve.

bowl of sliced lemon and sugar before and after mashing

Step 3: Mix

Add water and lemon juice and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. (This may take a few minutes!) Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your pitcher to remove the lemon slices and seeds.

lemon juice and water added to sugar in bowl.

Step 4: Chill And Serve

Refrigerate the lemonade until cold. Serve the lemonade with fresh lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish.

pitcher of lemonade with ice and lemon slices.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Pour the lemonade into a clean container or pitcher. Store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days.

You can freeze lemonade. Pour it into a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top because the liquid will expand when frozen. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy, portion-sized servings. Frozen lemonade can last for up to 4 months. When you’re ready to drink it, thaw the lemonade in the refrigerator overnight.

What to Serve with Old Fashioned Lemonade

This is the perfect drink to serve at a party or for a summer dinner outside.

Serve grilled chicken with a pickle juice marinade (a weird one, I know, but it’s really good!)
Grill some corn on the cob
Serve cold salads on the side, like a cold pesto pasta salad or a cucumber tomato pasta salad.
And finish the party off with sourdough lemon bars or a creamy lemon pie.

Questions and Troubleshooting

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

No!

Is there a quick way to chill the lemonade if I’m short on time?

If you need to chill your lemonade, fill a larger bowl with ice and cold water. Place your container of lemonade in it. Stir to help it cool down faster.

three glasses of lemonade with full pitcher in background and lemons on counter.

Homemade Drinks You’ll Love

Homemade lemonades and teas are easy to make and always worth the effort. Here are some more recipes you’ll love.

Homemade blackberry sweet tea is sweet and fruity.
For those of you who prefer a sweeter drink, try freckled strawberry lemonade.
This pink lemonade uses a different method, is a bit sweeter, and is super popular with the little ones in your life.