Sweet, tangy and refreshing is the best way to describe Homemade Lemonade. Not only that, it really is so simple to make and compared to store bought alternatives, contains no additives that you’d rather your kids didn’t drink.
The recipe can be adapted to suit any type of fruit (see notes), so make some today and serve it in a great big tall glass with lots of ice and some straws. Just don’t forget a nice glass for yourself!
Homemade Lemonade

Homemade Lemonade
Adapted from Margaret Fulton’s Encyclopedia of Food & Cookery
Ingredients
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup lemon juice
Method
Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir gently over a low heat to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to the boil.
Continue to boil gently, without stirring for 5 minutes. Cool, then add lemon juice and stir well.
Strain the mixture into a container or bottle and store covered in the refrigerator. Makes 2 1/2 cups of cordial.
To serve: Add 1 tablespoon of cordial to 1 cup of water. Adjust the quantity up or down according to taste.
The Klutzy Cook Notes
- Try the recipe with other citrus juices – lime, orange, mandarin – or a combination – lemon & lime; orange & lemon etc.
- Other fruits such as melons, stone fruit and berries, can also be used. Simply puree the fruit then press it through a sieve. Add the juice as above to the sugar syrup.
- For a bubbly drink, dilute the cordial with mineral or soda water.
- For an adults only drink, serve diluted with champagne.