Artificial Food Coloring Free Sweet Classic Lemonade
Bright, tangy, and refreshingly simple, this from-scratch lemonade is the kind of drink that makes any afternoon feel like a celebration. Store-bought lemonade and powdered mixes are notorious for sneaking in synthetic dyes — that artificial yellow tint isn't always coming from lemons — so making your own is the cleanest way to enjoy a glass without second-guessing the label. Here, the gorgeous golden color comes entirely from real lemon juice, and the sweetness is built on a quick homemade simple syrup that dissolves perfectly into the pitcher. The result is a smooth, well-balanced lemonade with none of the chemical aftertaste that can come with the packaged stuff. A fine-mesh strainer keeps the texture silky, and the adjustable ratio means you can dial it tart or mellow depending on your crowd. Garnished with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of mint, it looks stunning on a table without a drop of artificial anything.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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 until it reaches room temperature.
- 2
Juice the lemons through a fine-mesh strainer set over a measuring cup until you have 1 cup of strained juice, discarding any seeds and pulp.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!