Artificial Flavors Free Classic Lemonade
There is something deeply satisfying about a glass of lemonade made entirely from scratch, and this one delivers that bright, tangy refreshment in the most straightforward way possible. Many store-bought and powdered lemonades are loaded with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives that can be hard to spot on a label — this recipe sidesteps all of that by relying on just four real ingredients. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is the star, giving you that sharp, natural citrus punch that no flavoring agent can truly replicate. The homemade simple syrup comes together in minutes on the stovetop, and because you control the ratio, you can dial the sweetness exactly to your liking. Everything gets stirred together in a pitcher, poured over ice, and finished with a lemon slice or a sprig of fresh mint for a presentation that looks far more impressive than the effort involved. It's the kind of drink that tastes like summer and feels genuinely wholesome because you know exactly what went into it.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the simple syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- fresh mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 15 minutes.
- 2
While the syrup cools, juice the lemons and strain the juice through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp.
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