Old fashioned lemonade is an easy summer drink made with squeezed lemons, white sugar and cold water, ready in 10 minutes. That makes it a quick refresher for picnic gatherings, potluck cookouts or backyard parties, since the whole pitcher comes together with only three simple ingredients.
The step that matters most is dissolving the sugar fully into the juice and water, since grit left behind settles at the bottom. Rolling each lemon on the countertop before cutting loosens the membranes, which helps you get every drop of juice out.
What sets this version apart is its simplicity, because there is no simple syrup to cook and no extra flavoring to add. One cup of juice, one cup of sugar and six cups of water gives a tart and sweet balance that works without any adjustments.
Old Fashioned Lemonade
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes151
kcalSix fresh lemons are juiced and stirred together with white sugar and cold water in a pitcher until the sugar dissolves. Chilling for at least an hour before serving lets the flavors blend into a smooth, balanced drink.
Ingredients
6 lemons
1 cup white sugar
6 cups water, or more as needed
Directions
- Juice the lemons:Roll each lemon firmly between your hand and the countertop to loosen the juice. Cut in half and squeeze until you have 1 cup of juice.
- Mix the pitcher:Combine the lemon juice, sugar and water in a half-gallon pitcher. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. Taste and add more water if desired.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate until cold. Serve over ice. For a prettier pitcher, add a few of the juiced lemon halves.
FAQs
How many lemons do you need for one cup of juice?
You need about six medium lemons to get one cup of fresh juice, though larger lemons may yield more per fruit. Rolling each lemon on the counter before cutting helps break down the pulp inside, which makes squeezing easier. And using a citrus reamer or handheld juicer speeds up the process compared to squeezing by hand.
Can you make old fashioned lemonade ahead of time?
You can make the lemonade up to three days ahead and store it in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after a few hours, since the sugar and lemon juice have time to fully combine. Give it a good stir before serving, because the sugar can settle at the bottom over time.
How do you make lemonade less sweet?
Reducing the sugar to three quarters of a cup gives a more tart result that still tastes balanced. You can go as low as half a cup if you prefer it sour, since adding sugar gradually lets you taste as you go. And a tablespoon of honey works as a partial substitute, though it shifts the flavor slightly.
How do you make a pitcher of lemonade look nicer?
Adding a few squeezed lemon halves to the pitcher makes it look more appealing and adds mild citrus oil as they sit. Fresh mint sprigs or sliced strawberries work well for color, which helps the pitcher stand out on a table. And serving over plenty of ice keeps each glass cold without watering the batch down.
Can you use sparkling water instead of still?
Still water gives the classic taste, though sparkling water turns it into a fizzy lemonade with no extra effort. Add the sparkling water just before serving, since stirring too early releases the carbonation and flattens the drink. And pouring gently down the side of the pitcher rather than splashing it in helps keep the bubbles intact much longer.
