Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Refreshing homemade lemonade made with freshly squeezed lemons, pure cane sugar, and a hint of mint for an easy summer drink. This american-inspired asian fusion ready in about 15 minutes brings together (from about 6 lemons) fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, divided water for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 6 American cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature to create simple syrup.
  2. Step 2: In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice with the cooled simple syrup. Add remaining 4 cups cold water and stir well to combine.
  3. Step 3: Lightly bruise 10 fresh mint leaves by gently twisting them between your fingers and add to the lemonade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the mint flavor.
  4. Step 4: Serve over ice cubes in tall glasses with extra mint leaves for garnish if desired.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint?

Refrigerate any leftover classic homemade lemonade with fresh mint in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic Homemade Lemonade with Fresh Mint?

American asian fusion like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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