This Homemade Lemonade for Two couldn’t be easier to make and is everything summer lemonade should be, bright, crisp, sweet, and just the perfect level of tart.
A few weeks ago, I found an old list on my computer that was just titled, “Summer Fun List 2014.” It contained only two things:
- Make a beautiful fruit tart
- Make homemade lemonade
I have zero memory of writing that list and no idea why it stopped at two relatively easy items, but it just goes to show my usual summer priorities: make good food, hydrate in the most summery way possible.
I haven’t made a Summer Fun List 2017 yet, but let’s face it, it’s probably going to start about the same way (though maybe instead of a fruit tart it’ll be S’mores Cupcakes or my favorite Lemon Bars). So in order to preemptively cross one thing off this year’s list, today I’m sharing Homemade Lemonade for Two.
Homemade lemonade is one of my very favorite parts of summer, but I try not to make it unless I know there are going to be lots of people around to share it with since (delicious and spectacular as it is) it’s basically lemon-flavored sugar water, and I really don’t need an entire pitcher to myself.
And that’s why today’s recipe is Homemade Lemonade for Two. It makes one quart, which is about two to four glasses worth, and the perfect amount to satisfy those summer cravings without having you bouncing off the walls from sugar overload.
This version is really everything summer lemonade should be, bright, crisp, sweet, and just the perfect level of tart. I spent a couple weekends testing out different ratios and variations, so I had a nice steady supply of it there for a while, and man do I miss having a container of this in my fridge! For days after I finished the last batch, I would open my fridge and just stare sadly at my lemonade-less shelves. (It was a little pathetic.)
Fortunately for those of us who want to make it all the time, this version of homemade lemonade is really simple to make. You just heat some water and sugar together to make a simple syrup, juice some lemons, and stir all your ingredients together. Adjust the sweetness, serve over a tall glass of ice, and enjoy!
I’ll be sharing a couple fun lemonade variations over the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out for those!
Homemade Lemonade for Two
Ingredients
Special Equipment
- Citrus juicer optional but nice to have
Lemonade
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 ⅔ cup filtered water divided, plus more to taste*
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (2 to 3 medium lemons)
- Mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a small pot, combine sugar and ⅔ cup of the water. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar is dissolved.
- In a small pitcher or 1-quart jar, combine the sugar water, 2 cups of water and lemon juice. Stir together. Add more water if needed until lemonade is just a little sweeter than your preferred level of sweetness.
- Pour over a glass of ice and enjoy!
Notes
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase using them. There is absolutely no additional cost to you.
Sharon says
I originally looked for a smaller amount of lemonade since I just had 2 lemons left in the fridge that needed to be used up. Your recipe was absolutely perfect alone and some of it I mixed with brewed ice tea the next day. Today I made the smaller amount on purpose. Thank you!
C McK says
I declare this the gold standard for fresh squeezed lemonade – so good!
Tracy says
The highest of compliments!!
Sue says
I know it’s in the middle of winter here in Ohio, but I’ve been craving fresh lemonade lately, saw your recipe, & made it today….it is perfect! Just the right amount of sweet & sour (& I love it’s a small batch recipe! Thank you so much…it’s a keeper
Kelli says
When your five year old begs you for lemonade and doesn’t have any patiences this recipe is perfectly balanced and super easy! I think I made have to triple it because I got none 🙂
Kathy Doolittle says
I wanted a small batch and this was just great. I like mine on the tart side so added just a bit more lemon juice, but not mutch. Thank you!
Tracy says
Thanks, Kathy! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Brittany says
I used half of the sugar and it still turned out great. Thanks for the recipe.
Tracy says
So glad you enjoyed it, Brittany!
Cathy says
My husband just did a bunch of work around the house and yard and then told me he was craving a cold glass of lemonade. With one lonely lemon in the house and no real urge to go to the store just for lemons, this recipe let me put together a tall glass of lemonade for him and fill our hummingbird feeder with the remaining syrup. It was delicious, and we both thank you!
Tracy says
Aw, that’s so sweet! So glad both the hubs and the hummingbirds got to enjoy some lemonade. 😉
Emily says
It was so much better than store bought!
Tracy says
Thanks, Emily! I totally agree. 😉
Melissa @ Insider The Kitchen says
My daughters and I made this and it was awesome. Instead of boiling the water and sugar mixture on the stove I put it in the microwave for 1 min. when done I added some ice to cool it down so it did not take long to make at all. Very refreshing.
Tracy says
Oh yay! I’m so glad you all enjoyed it, and making it in the microwave is such a good idea!!
Bethany says
I like that this is a small batch! Looks so fresh and perfect for summer!
Tracy says
Thanks, Bethany!
Cliona Keane says
This looks incredibly refreshing! I love homemade lemonade and I’ll definitely be giving your recipe a go!
Tracy says
Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it!!
cookilicious says
Your recipe reminded me of my mom’s lemonade. She would prepare this cool drink every summer and we would gulp it down in a jiffy. Thanks for making me take a trip down the memory lane. Nice and simple recipe. 🙂
Tracy says
Thanks!
Dannii says
Every year I say I am going to make my own lemonade and I never do. Seeing this had made me really want to make it – it looks so refreshing.
Tracy says
Thanks, Dannii! You totally should!! 😉
Elaine @ Dishes Delish says
Mmm. I love homemade lemonade! Homemade is always better than store bought! Great recipe!
Tracy says
Thanks, Elaine!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
That list is too funny. Two things. Obviously, they are very important to you 😉 Love lemonade and perfect for sipping all summer long! I would definitely add to a tall glass and lots of water. I love things a little tart, less sweet. This one is like a big glass of sunshine and maybe, just maybe, would be lovely on the weekend with a little touch of vodka 🙂 Pinned!
Tracy says
Mmmmm, vodka. YES. 😉 Thanks, Dawn!
Milo Christensen says
Very, very good with a couple shots of vodka added. Had some simple syrup saved from making candied orange peel, just enough to make this with two lemons. If you’re not in a hurry, soak the lemon halves in the two cups of ice water, especially if vodka is in your plans.
Tracy says
Yeeees! Love the vodka idea!
Ali from Home & Plate says
This recipe reminds me of fresh lemonade from the county fair. There is nothing better than fresh in the summer time. I’m pretty sure my kids are going to love this recipe.
Tracy says
Right!? Thanks, Ali. I hope your kids enjoy it!