Go Back
–+ servings

Classic California Lemonade Recipe

A refreshing homemade lemonade recipe made with simple syrup and fresh Meyer lemons, perfect for hot days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Beverage, Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (200g) white sugar
  • 1 cup (240ml) water for simple syrup
  • 1 cup (240ml) freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice about 6-7 lemons
  • 4 cups (960ml) cold water
  • ice cubes as needed
  • lemon slices for garnish

Method
 

  1. In a small saucepan, combine the white sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool for about 10 minutes.
  2. While the syrup cools, juice the Meyer lemons using a citrus juicer until you have 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Adjust the number of lemons as needed based on their size.
  3. In a large pitcher, stir together the cooled simple syrup and the fresh lemon juice to create the lemonade concentrate.
  4. Add the remaining 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Add a generous amount of ice and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 31gSodium: 5mgSugar: 30g

Notes

For a less sweet lemonade, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup (150g). Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This recipe is easily doubled for a crowd. Use a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp if desired. For a twist, add fresh mint or lavender sprigs. California Meyer lemons are sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, so adjust sugar if using standard lemons.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!