Homemade Lemonade Concentrate

Make your own homemade lemonade concentrate using just 4 simple ingredients. This easy recipe is perfect for refreshing summer drinks or for gift giving.

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I have a challenge for you…

Can you think of anything more nostalgic than a cold glass of lemonade on a hot summer day?

Maybe a pitcher of sun tea brewing on the porch, or the sound of the ice cream truck coming around the corner.

But lemonade?

It’s right up there with all the things that make summer feel like, well summer.

There’s something about the balance of tart and sweet, the clink of ice cubes in a glass, and the fresh scent that fills the kitchen while you’re making it.

It reminds me of childhood summers…running bare foot on warm pavement, lemonade stands at the end of the driveway, family cookouts, a Tupperware pitcher sweating on the kitchen counter, and lazy afternoons soaking up the sun.

And while it’s easy to reach for a store-bought container of powdered lemonade drink mix or frozen concentrate, nothing, and I mean nothing compares to the flavor of homemade.

With just a few fresh ingredients (you probably have in your kitchen already) and a few minutes of stovetop stirring, you can bottle up that classic summer flavor and have it ready anytime you’re craving a refreshing drink.

This lemonade concentrate is one of those simple things that makes summer feel just a little more special and nostalgic whether you’re pouring a glass for yourself, serving up a pitcher for guests, or packaging it in a pretty jar as a gift.

What is lemonade concentrate?

Lemonade concentrate is a sweet, tangy lemon syrup made from a blend of lemon juice, lemon zest, sugar, and water.

Think of it as the heart of homemade lemonade, just without the added water.

By making a concentrate, you’re creating a make-ahead base that can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and then mixed with cold water whenever you want a quick drink.

It’s great for saving time and reducing food waste when you’ve got a bunch of fresh lemons you’re not sure what do with.

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Delicious Lemon Recipes

These recipes highlight everything we enjoy about lemons, the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a fresh, vibrant taste in every bite.

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What you’ll love about this recipe:

QUALITY INGREDIENTS – No artificial flavors or preservatives like you’ll find in the mixes from the grocery store! Just fresh lemons, water, and regular sugar.
MAKE AHEAD – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy quick, delicious lemonade all week (or month) long.
CUSTOMIZABLE – You can adjust the ratio to match your taste whether you like your lemonade tart or sweet.

Jump to Recipe

The 4 Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

These are the ingredients you’ll need and chances are, you already have them in your pantry…

White Sugar: Sweetens the lemonade and balances the tartness of the lemons.
Filtered or Spring Water: A clean, neutral base for the simple syrup.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: About 8-10 juicy lemons depending on the size of your lemons. Do not use store-bought lemon juice, you want the real stuff for this recipe!
Lemon Zest: Will help to deepen the lemon flavor.

supplies you’ll need

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Easy Lemonade Concentrate Recipe

Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, here’s how to make this easy and delicious homemade lemonade concentrate…

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01

Make the Sugar Water

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and water.

Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.

02

Add Lemon

Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

Then whisk in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest.

Let everything sit until it reaches room temperature.

03

Store the Concentrate

Pour the concentrate into glass jars or freezer-safe containers.

You can refrigerate it for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Once the lemonade concentrate has cooled to room temperature store in glass mason jars.

Mason jars with fresh homemade lemon concentrate on a wooden kitchen counter.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t be tempted with bottled lemon juice! Fresh lemon juice makes all the difference. It’s brighter, cleaner, and gives your concentrate that real lemonade flavor you can’t get from a jar.
Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing, it’s almost impossible to do once you’ve squeezed them.
Roll whole lemons on the counter with the palm of your hand to help release more juice before cutting.
Pour the concentrate into ice cube trays for individual servings which is great for adding to sparkling water, iced tea (Arnold Palmers are the best), or cocktails.

Easy Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Learn how to make lemonade with homemade lemonade concentrate for a delicious, refreshing summer drink. Quick, easy, and perfect on a hot day!

get the recipe

How to Gift Fresh Homemade Lemonade
Concentrate

Homemade lemonade concentrate is more than a summer essential, it also makes the sweetest gift!

It’s a refreshing way to share a little homemade love whether you’re heading to a backyard barbecue or dropping off a thank you for a neighbor.

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Here’s how to package it…

Use mason jars with lids or a pretty glass bottle (like a swing-top).
Place a small piece of fabric over the lid of your mason jar, secure with ribbon or twine, and add one of the custom tags I created (email subscribers you can download and print your gift tags here).
You can tuck the jar into a small basket with fresh lemons, a wooden spoon, and maybe even a tea towel for a full summer gift set!

Yellow gingham lemonade concentrate gift tags for gift giving.

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Your FAQs Answered

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Just keep it in an airtight container like a mason jar or glass bottle.

Yes! Store it in a freezer-safe jar or silicone mold for up to 3 months.

Technically you could, but I don’t recommend it. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness and flavor as fresh. For that classic, refreshing lemonade taste, stick with freshly squeezed lemons.

To make a single serving, mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup concentrate with 3/4 cup cold water, depending on how strong you like it. For a full pitcher, use 1 cup concentrate with 4 cups (32 oz) water.

Such a great question! You can try adding it to sparkling water to make sparkling lemonade or mix it into iced tea for a classic Arnold Palmer.

My Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about turning a handful of simple ingredients into something delicious, don’t you think?

This homemade lemon concentrate is one of those recipes…easy to make, refreshing, and full of that nostalgic lemon flavor we all know and remember from our childhoods.

Now the next time you find yourself with a bowl of lemons on the counter you’ll know exactly what to do with them!

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This easy lemonade concentrate recipe is made using 4 simple ingredients and is perfect for making quick, refreshing drinks all summer long. Make ahead and store in the fridge or freezer.

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3 cups

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Ingredients

2 cups Granulated Sugar
2 cups Filtered or Spring Water
2 cups Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
2 tsps Lemon Zest

Instructions

Whisk together the sugar and water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, and simmer just until the sugar dissolves.
Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Whisk the lemon juice and lemon zest into the simple syrup.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Keep concentrate in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months.

To Make Lemonade

By the Cup: Mix 1/4-1/2 cup concentrate into 3/4 cup cold water. By the Pitcher: Mix 1 cup concentrate into 32 ounces (4 cups) cold water.
Add ice cubes, a few lemon slices, and a sprig of mint if you like. You can also swap the water for sparkling water for a fizzy treat!

Notes

- Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes all the difference in this recipe. It’s brighter, cleaner, and gives your concentrate that real lemonade flavor you can’t get from a jar.
- Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing, it’s almost impossible to do once you’ve squeezed them.
- Roll whole lemons on the counter with the palm of your hand to help release more juice before cutting.
- Pour the concentrate into ice cube trays for individual servings which is great for adding to sparkling water, iced tea, or cocktails.