It’s National Lemonade Day! Here are some of our favorite ways to mix up this summer thirst-quencher at home. Start with the basic recipe below, then try adding a new spin. Or, try our lemonade concentrate — a percentage of proceeds benefits the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research.
Summertime Lemonade
For the simple syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh lemon juice
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes
1 lemon, thinly sliced and seeded
To make the simple syrup, in a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar, stir to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour into a heatproof container, let cool completely and refrigerate until thoroughly cold. You should have 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups. It will keep indefinitely in the refrigerator.
To make the lemonade, pour the lemon juice into a 2 1/2-quart pitcher and add simple syrup to taste. If you are using a sweet lemon, such as a Meyer, you will need less syrup. Add the cold water, stir to blend and then add ice. Pour into tall glasses, garnish with the lemon slices and serve. Serves 6.
![]() Adding sparkling water and fresh mint lightens up traditional lemonade — this recipes is reminiscent of a nonalcoholic mojito. a nonalcoholic punch similar to a mojito. |
![]() This sweet, tart, refreshing lemonade gets a hit of color from fresh strawberries. It’s easy for kids to make, too. |
![]() Lemon verbena adds hints of floral and citrus to homemade lemonade in this simple twist on the classic. |
![]() Substitute honey for simple syrup, and you’ll be rewarded with the lovely complex flavors in this lemonade. |
4 comments
[…] 5 Ways with Lemonade (williams-sonoma.com) […]
A shot of limoncello for a “grown-up” drink.
The juice from Maraschino cherries and Midori melon liqueur. So good.
You might want to try adding a little pineapple juice and infuse it with fresh basil!