Old Fashioned Lemonade Recipe

For a nostalgic taste of summer be sure to try this old-fashioned lemonade recipe. Enjoy a SIMPLE moment outdoors, sipping this refreshing ice-cold lemon drink. Includes printable recipe at the bottom of this post.

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Old fashioned lemonade memories

Today, I am going to share with you my lemonade recipe that we recently tried and loved (even my picky tweens love it!) We think it is the perfect combo of sweet & tart!

I loved making lemonade each summer when I was a tween and into my younger teen years. My goal was to create SIMPLE summer moments & memories this year for my tweens doing things I enjoyed at their ages.

I was surprised to find such a wide variety of options when looking online for a simple lemonade recipe. With everyone having different taste buds: and liking some like things sweet & others prefer them a bit more tart there are dozens of different recipes online.

So keeping that in mind (for us) we decided to mix equal parts of lemon juice and sugar because you can always add lemon slices to your glass for more of a tart flavor. We wanted a not too sweet with full lemon flavor but not too tart taste. (& not watered down)

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Tips for making “easy & simple” old fashioned lemonade

• Decide if you prefer sweet or tart and adjust the recipe from there
• Keep the pulp from your strainer for anyone wanting more lemon flavor
• Avoid adding ice cubes into the pitcher of lemonade so it doesn’t water down your mixture
• Put your water into the fridge ahead of time so your lemonade will be cold & ready to drink when you make it
• Add ice cubes right in your glass if you like your drinks cold OR want it watered down a bit
• Roll your lemons prior to squeezing to help release the juice
• Add slices of lemon rind for a more tart flavor, that is where the lemon oil is (you can add them right inside of a glass

I didn’t want to make the sugar syrup like some recipes called for. Just a simple recipe that the kids can make all on their own.

Upon research, we found that sugar does dissolve in the juice from the lemons. As long as you stir the two together really well you won’t have any sugar grit.

Ingredients for making old fashioned lemonade

• 8-10 medium-size lemons – 2 cups of lemon juice
• 2 c. sugar
• 6 c. chilled drinking water
• ice cubes

Tools for making old fashioned lemonade

• liquid measuring cup
• knife & cutting board (a dinner knife can be used if lemons are ripe)
• pitcher (scored this for only $3 at a yard sale this summer) love!!
• spoon for stirring
• dry ingredient measuring cup
• drinking glass
• juicer (see the link to check out the awesome juicer that I love!)
  
  Optional – bamboo straws (see the link to check out these AMAZING straws that I carry in my online store)

How to make fresh-squeezed lemonade

This recipe makes 4 cups of lemonade & can be easily doubled to make more – Keeps in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for a week. It can also be stored in the freezer in a sealed container for 3-4 months.

1. gather your ingredients & tools
2. wash your lemons
3. roll your lemons on a hard surface till they feel squishy
4. cut the lemons in half
5. place your half lemon onto the juicer & press down firmly and twist.
6. repeat step 5 until you have 2 cups of lemon juice
7. empty your juice strainer because you will want to strain the juice again before adding it to your pitcher.
8. run your juice through the juice strainer as you are putting the juice into your pitcher.
9. add your 2 cups of sugar & stir well, until you can no longer feel or see sugar granules.
10, add 6 cups of chilled water & stir
11. fill your glass with ice cubes pour in lemonade & add a slice of lemon for garnish

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Now it is SIPPING TIME! Grab a book & head outside to your FAVORITE sitting spot & kick your feet up! Enjoy, friends!

I hope you enjoyed this post and recipe! Please share in the comments below how you enjoy your lemonade. And what is your favorite summer drink from your childhood?
Blessings,
Kim