A timeless summer beverage, this Classic Fresh Lemonade with Mint and Citrus Ice is made with real lemon juice and zest, sweetened with homemade syrup, and served over ice with fresh mint for a crisp, invigorating drink. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to prepare and endlessly refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemonade is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, offering a clean, natural flavor that far surpasses any store-bought option. The addition of mint and lemon slices creates a visually appealing drink that’s as elegant as it is hydrating. Whether served still or sparkling, it’s ideal for everything from barbecues to brunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh lemon juice (about 6–8 lemons)
lemon, sliced into rounds
lemon zest
granulated sugar
water (for simple syrup)
cold water or sparkling water
ice cubes
fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

Make the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 ½ cups of water, and lemon zest. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Mix the lemonade: In a large pitcher, stir together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the cooled syrup.
Add water: Pour in 4 to 5 cups of cold still or sparkling water, adjusting to taste based on how strong or diluted you prefer your lemonade.
Serve: Fill serving glasses with ice and lemon slices. Pour the lemonade over and garnish with mint leaves.
Enjoy: Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for a more developed flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 120 kcal per serving

Variations

Sparkling twist: Replace the cold water with club soda for a fizzy version.
Herbal lemonade: Add fresh basil or rosemary along with the mint for an herbal note.
Fruit-infused: Mix in pureed strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful spin.
Spiced lemonade: Add a dash of ground ginger or a cinnamon stick to the syrup as it cooks.
Low-sugar option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit for a reduced-calorie version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store lemonade in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher for up to 2 days. The flavor may intensify slightly over time.
Freezing: You can freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays and use the cubes in future drinks.
Reheating: Not applicable; this beverage is intended to be served cold.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch with a slight compromise in freshness.

How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

Reduce the amount of sugar in the syrup or increase the amount of water to dilute the sweetness.

What’s the best way to zest a lemon?

Use a fine grater or microplane to remove only the yellow outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the lemonade up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge until serving.

Is it okay to use sparkling water?

Yes, sparkling water adds a refreshing fizz and works beautifully in this recipe.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, replace the sugar with an equal amount of honey in the syrup; note that this will slightly alter the flavor.

What type of mint works best?

Spearmint is the most commonly used variety, offering a mild and pleasant flavor that complements citrus.

How long does the syrup last?

Homemade lemon syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a sealed container.

Can I make this recipe in larger batches?

Absolutely—just scale all ingredients proportionally and mix in a larger container or dispenser.

What’s the difference between still and sparkling lemonade?

Still lemonade uses plain cold water, while sparkling lemonade is made with carbonated water for a fizzy texture.

Conclusion

This Classic Fresh Lemonade with Mint and Citrus Ice is a beautifully simple yet vibrant drink that captures the essence of summer. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a sophisticated refreshment that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing at home. Tailor it to your taste, serve it chilled, and enjoy the timeless pleasure of a well-made lemonade.

Classic Fresh Lemonade with Mint and Citrus Ice

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A bright, refreshing lemonade made the old-fashioned way—infused with fresh lemon juice, zest, mint, and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for summer parties or everyday sipping.

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Drink
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
Zest from 1 lemon
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups water (for simple syrup)
4–5 cups cold water or sparkling water
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 ½ cups sugar with 1 ½ cups water and lemon zest. Stir until sugar dissolves completely to make a simple syrup. Remove from heat and cool.
In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice and cooled syrup. Stir well.
Add 4 to 5 cups of cold water (or sparkling water for a fizzy version) and mix.
Fill glasses with ice and lemon slices. Pour lemonade over and garnish with mint leaves.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
Use sparkling water for a fizzy, festive version.
Chill syrup fully before mixing for best flavor.
Fresh mint adds aroma and visual appeal—don’t skip it!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 5mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg