7 Best Lemonade Recipes for Summer

On a hot, sunny day, nothing beats the refreshing taste of a cold glass of lemonade. Its sweet and tangy flavor is not only refreshing but also lifts your spirit. Making lemonade at home is one of the best ways to cool off—it’s sweet and sour and really feels like summer in a glass.

In this article, we’ll explore seven refreshing lemonade recipes that are easy to make and elevate your summer time to a whole new level.

1. Classic Lemonade

This classic lemonade, also called old-fashioned lemonade, has a special charm that everyone loves, no matter their age. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make your own homemade lemonade drink, perfect for enjoying those feel-good moments.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Lemon Syrup:
  • Start by creating a simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar with 1 cup of water.
  • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves. This will result in a clear syrup. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • While the syrup cools, roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to help release their juices.
  • Cut the lemons in half and use a citrus juicer or your hands to extract the juice. You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Mix the Lemonade Base:
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup.
  • Add 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well to create the lemonade base.
• Adjust to Taste:
  • Taste the lemonade base and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. You can add more water or simple syrup if necessary. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away, so adjust gradually.
• Chill and Serve:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of lemonade for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
  • When ready to serve, fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemonade over the ice.
• Garnish (Optional):
  • To enhance the visual appeal and aroma of your classic lemonade, you can garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 70
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 19g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 0g

2. Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry lemonade, with its delightful blend of ripe strawberries and lemon, offers the perfect combination of sweetness and zest. This recipe takes the classic lemonade to a new level with the infusion of fresh strawberries, creating a beverage that’s as visually appealing as it is deliciously satisfying.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Ice cubes
• Additional strawberries and lemon slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Create the Strawberry Puree:
  • Start by preparing the strawberry puree. Place the sliced strawberries in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • If desired, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and achieve a smoother texture.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to loosen the juice.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or your hands. You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Make the Lemonade Base:
  • In a pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
  • Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are combined.
• Add Water and Chill:
  • Pour in 3 cups of cold water and mix thoroughly to create the strawberry lemonade base.
  • Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
• Adjust and Serve:
  • Before serving, taste the strawberry lemonade and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference. You can add more water or sugar syrup if needed.
• Pour and Garnish (Optional):
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry-infused lemonade over the ice.
  • For an extra touch of elegance, garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice and a lemon wheel.
• Sip and Savor!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 1g

3. Mint Lemonade

This cooling lemonade recipe combines the zesty lemon flavor with the soothing freshness of mint, creating a drink that’s not only delicious but also revitalizing. Make your own mint lemonade recipe, perfect for keeping cool and refreshed during those scorching summer days at home.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
• Ice cubes
• Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Mint-Infused Simple Syrup:
  • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 cup of fresh mint leaves.
  • Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mint leaves release their aroma.
  • Remove from heat and let the mint steep in the syrup as it cools. This will infuse the syrup with the refreshing flavor of mint.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to facilitate juice extraction.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. You’ll need approximately 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Mix the Mint Lemonade Base:
  • Strain the cooled mint-infused simple syrup to remove the mint leaves.
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the strained mint-infused simple syrup.
  • Add 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and mix thoroughly to create the mint lemonade base.
• Chill and Serve:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of mint lemonade for about 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to become well-chilled.
• Pour and Garnish (Optional):
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the mint-infused lemonade over the ice.
  • For a touch of visual appeal and aroma, garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.
• Enjoy the Refreshment!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugars: 19g
• Protein: 0g

4. Pineapple Lemonade

When life hands you lemons and sweet, juicy pineapple, why not combine them into a delightful lemonade recipe that’s both refreshing and delicious? This pineapple lemonade recipe is a combination of tangy lemons and the exotic sweetness of pineapple which offers a unique and refreshing lemonade flavor. 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Pineapple slices and lemon twists for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Blend the Pineapple Puree:
  • Begin by creating the pineapple puree. Place the fresh pineapple chunks in a blender and blend until smooth.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to facilitate juice extraction.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. You’ll need approximately 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Make the Pineapple Lemonade Base:
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, pineapple puree, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
  • Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are well incorporated.
• Add Water and Sparkle:
  • Pour 3 cups of cold water into the pitcher and mix thoroughly, creating the pineapple lemonade base.
  • Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to each glass. This will give your pineapple lemonade a delightful fizziness.
• Chill and Serve:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of pineapple lemonade for about 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
• Pour and Garnish (Optional):
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the pineapple lemonade over the ice.
  • For an extra touch of tropical elegance, garnish each glass with a slice of pineapple and a twist of lemon.
• Embrace the Tropical Fusion!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 1g

5. Watermelon Lemonade

 This tasty mix of sweet watermelon and tangy lemon is the perfect summer drink, which offers a delightful twist on the classic lemonade recipe.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh watermelon chunks, seeds removed
• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Watermelon slices and lemon wedges for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Blend the Watermelon Puree:
  • Begin by creating the watermelon puree. Place the fresh watermelon chunks in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds and achieve a smooth texture.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to facilitate juice extraction.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. You’ll need approximately 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Mix the Watermelon Lemonade Base:
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained watermelon puree, and 1 cup of granulated sugar.
  • Stir well to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the flavors are thoroughly combined.
• Add Water and Chill:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of watermelon lemonade for about 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
  • Pour 3 cups of cold water into the pitcher and mix thoroughly, creating the watermelon lemonade base.
• Pour and Garnish (Optional):
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the watermelon lemonade over the ice.
  • For an extra touch of summer paradise, garnish each glass with a slice of watermelon and a wedge of lemon.
• Sip and Experience the Bliss!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 21g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 1g

Read More: How to Make Frozen Yogurt Bark

6. Lavender Lemonade

This lemonade blends the classic, refreshing taste of freshly squeezed lemons with the soft, calming scent of lavender.

The zesty lemon adds a bright and tangy flavor, while the lavender brings a soothing touch, making it a perfect drink for a hot day and adding a special twist to your usual lemonade recipe.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Lavender sprigs and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Create Lavender-Infused Simple Syrup:
  • In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of dried culinary lavender buds.
  • Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring gently, until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture becomes fragrant with lavender.
  • Remove from heat and let the lavender steep in the syrup as it cools. This will infuse the syrup with the floral aroma of lavender.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to facilitate juice extraction.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. You’ll need about 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Mix the Lavender Lemonade Base:
  • Strain the cooled lavender-infused simple syrup to remove the lavender buds.
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the strained lavender-infused simple syrup.
  • Add 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir gently to create the lavender lemonade base.
• Chill and Serve:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of lavender lemonade for approximately 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill.
• Pour and Garnish (Optional):
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lavender-infused lemonade over the ice.
  • For a touch of elegance and visual appeal, garnish each glass with a sprig of lavender and a slice of lemon.
• Enjoy!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 110
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 29g
• Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 0g

7. Sparkling Pink Peach Lemonade

This delicious lemonade recipe is the perfect blend of sweet, juicy peaches and the tangy kick of fresh lemons. The natural sweetness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with the refreshing tartness of lemon, creating a drink that’s both fruity and vibrant.

It’s the ultimate summer drink, capturing the sunny, carefree vibes of the season while keeping you cool and refreshed.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
• 4-6 fresh lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• Fresh mint leaves, for muddling and garnish
• Sparkling water or club soda
• Peach slices and lemon wheels for garnish (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Create the Peach Infusion:
  • In a bowl, gently muddle the sliced peaches with a few fresh mint leaves. This helps release the peach juices and infuse them with the mint’s aromatic essence.
• Extract Lemon Juice:
  • Roll the fresh lemons on a countertop to facilitate juice extraction.
  • Cut the lemons in half and extract the juice using a citrus juicer or by hand. You’ll need approximately 1 cup of lemon juice.
• Make the Peach Lemonade Base:
  • In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the peach-mint mixture.
  • Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors meld.
• Blend and Strain:
  • Transfer the peach lemonade base to a blender and blend until the peaches are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
  • Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any remaining solids, leaving you with a silky base.
• Mix with Sparkling Water:
  • Return the strained peach lemonade base to the pitcher.
  • Add 3 cups of cold water to the pitcher and mix well.
  • Just before serving, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to each glass for a fizzy kick.
• Chill and Garnish:
  • Refrigerate the pitcher of sparkling pink peach lemonade for about 1-2 hours to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the peach lemonade over the ice.
  • Garnish each glass with a mint sprig, a slice of peach, and a lemon wheel.
• Sip and enjoy in Bliss!

Nutritional Information:

• Serving Size: 1 glass
• Calories: 80
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 1g

Conclusion

Stay cool this summer with these refreshing lemonade recipes that are as tasty as they are satisfying. So grab some lemons, get creative, and enjoy these delicious drinks!