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    Home » Appetizers & Drinks

    Published: May 29, 2024 · by Angela · This post may contain affiliate links · 81 Comments

    Homemade Lemonade Concentrate

    Jump to Recipe

    There is nothing like fresh lemonade. Making homemade lemonade concentrate from fresh lemons and freezing it for later results in the most delicious pitcher of lemonade. So when you have loads of lemons - grab this recipe & get prepping! You will be glad you did.

    Lemonade concentrate in a mason jar.

    The sweet, tart, and bright flavors of lemons make for a combination that is the quintessential summer drink. And pick some extras to make a creamy, sweet, & tart North Carolina Lemon Pie.

    Jump to:
    • Why Make Lemonade Concentrate at Home
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Lemonade Concentrate
    • How to store the concentrate
    • Make Lemonade from the Concentrate
    • Homemade Lemonade Ratio :
    • FAQ
    • More Lemon Recipes
    • Homemade Lemonade Concentrate

    Why Make Lemonade Concentrate at Home

    Will fresh home-grown lemons be so much better than the frozen canned lemonade concentrate you get at the store? YES! It is the best!   Here are some great reasons why you need to make your own lemonade concentrate.

    • You not only know where your food came from, especially if they are your own lemons
    • You can use organic sugar if you want.
    • You can make it tarter or sweeter if you want.
    • You can use real sugar or even a low or no-calorie sweetener.
    • Storing small batches of concentrate takes a lot less fridge or freezer space than entire batches of lemonade.
    • Preserves winter/spring lemons to use in summer.

    Each batch makes a half-gallon of lemonade and it can be frozen for months to enjoy later.  You will never want to buy store-bought Minute Maid lemonade concentrate again once you make it homemade.

    Boy holding a large lemon picked from the tree.

    Ingredients

    Just 3 ingredients to make lemonade concentrate with fresh ingredients. Never buy canned frozen again when this is all your need:

    • Lemons - fresh washed & dried. 8-10 lemons is what you will need for a batch.
    • Sugar - granulated regular sugar.
    • Water - for the simple syrup.

    How to Make Lemonade Concentrate

    The 4 simple steps to make this recipe are:

    1. Wash & Slice lemons in half
    2. Squeeze juice from the lemons
    3. Make the simple syrup
    4. Stir to combine

    1 - Wash & Slice lemons in half

    Whether store bought organic or not, wash and dry any produce you use. We grow our own so the lemons need a good scrub & dry before we start using them.

    2 - Squeeze juice from the lemons

    Next squeeze the juice from the lemons. A juicer that separates the seeds is best. My kids like doing this part & I appreciate them using their muscles.

    Child standing on a stool juicing lemons to make homemade lemonade concentrate.

    3 - Make Simple Syrup 

    To make simple syrup, simply (hence the name) boil water and add equal amounts of sugar. Stir to dissolve. 

    Once the sugar dissolves it will create a slightly thick sweet compound, simple syrup.  Let this cool before the next steps in making the lemonade concentrate.

    Hot water and sugar in a glass container stirring to make simple syrup.

    4 - Stir to Combine

    Mix together the simple syrup and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Once it is ready, time to make a batch of lemonade or store for later.

    How to store the concentrate

    • Save in sealed mason jar or quart-sized Ziploc bags
    • Can keep for 3 weeks in the refrigerator
    • Can keep for up to 6 months in the freezer

    Ziploc labeled and ready to go in the freezer to store lemonade concentrate made at home.

    Make Lemonade from the Concentrate

    If you froze your concentrate, remove it from the freezer to defrost.  For the Ziploc bags, I place them in a pie dish in the fridge overnight. The next morning they are soft enough to unzip and dump into my pitcher. If you have the concentrate in a jar, just pour it into your pitcher.

    Homemade Lemonade Ratio :

    One Batch of Concentrate + 3 Cups of Cold Water = ½ Gallon of Fresh Homemade Lemonade

    Two Batches of Concentrate + 6 Cups of Cold Water = 1 Gallon of Fresh Homemade Lemonade

    FAQ

    What is simple syrup?

    For this lemonade concentrate recipe, you will need to make a batch of simple syrup.  What is simple syrup?  It is a cooked mixture of equal parts water and sugar. It is cooked so that the sugar dissolves and a thick sweet syrup is made.

    How can I make sugar-free lemonade?

    This recipe uses regular sugar but I do have a recipe for a sugar-free option. Try my recipe for keto/low-carb lemonade concentrate.

    Why is it called "lemonade" and not lemon juice?

    Well, simply it is an ade because it includes lemon juice, sugar, and water.  Compared to orange juice, which is simply just fresh-squeezed juice from oranges with no added ingredients.  To learn more about the history of lemonade, check out more on HOWSTUFFWORKS!  

    More Lemon Recipes

    For all you lemon fans, try these other yummy recipes where lemon is the star ingredient:

    • Lemon Cheesecake Fat Bombs
    • Raspberry Lemon Loaf
    • Lemon Pepper Marinade for Chicken
    • Creamy Lemon Dill Butter Chicken
    Lemonade Concentrate Recipe Card

    Homemade Lemonade Concentrate

    Angela
    The perfect glass of lemonade can be enjoyed all summer thanks to making homemade concentrate when lemons are at there peak each year.
    4.91 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 gallon

    Equipment

    • hand juicer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1.25 C fresh-squeezed lemon juice about 8-10 lemons
    • 1.25 C hot water
    • 1.25 C sugar
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Pick lemons from your tree if you have one. Use fresh lemons from the store or farmer’s markets too. Wash the lemons and cut in half.
    • Squeeze the juice from the lemons. You will need 1 and ¼ cups of fresh juice. Add to a large mason jar or big pyrex measuring cup to hold.
    • Boil water in a large measuring pyrex or tea kettle.
    • In a medium-sized bowl or your pyrex measuring cup, stir together the boiling water with the 1 and ¼ cup of sugar. Stir to dissolve.
    • Once cool, add to the lemon juice. Stir.
    • Store in mason jars or pour into a quart-sized Ziploc bag. The lemonade concentrate can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months.

    WHEN READY TO MAKE THE LEMONADE:

    • Each recipe will make a half-gallon of lemonade. Add one batch of the concentrate to 3 cups of cold water in a pitcher. 2 batches plus 6 cups of water for a gallon of lemonade. Stir and serve over ice. Enjoy!
    Keyword juice, summer, sweet
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    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Shantana Dutta says

      April 03, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      This looks so refreshing.
      Greetings from Sydney. Take care and stay safe.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 03, 2020 at 7:08 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    2. Nart | Cooking with Nart says

      April 04, 2020 at 11:14 pm

      Looks lovely! We grow lemons here too although I believe a different type...but sure I'll use them to try this recipe!

      Reply
    3. Diane Kurzava says

      April 06, 2020 at 7:55 am

      I've never thought of making concentrate! This is a great idea and so easy. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:51 am

        I am not sure why it took me so long to think of it too but now that I have we make a ton. We have 3 frozen readies for later already and still have more lemons on our tree!

        Reply
    4. Debbie says

      April 06, 2020 at 8:35 am

      Love the idea of making your own frozen concentrate and having it own hand!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:49 am

        It is a great way to enjoy lemonade at any time!

        Reply
    5. Lisa Manderino says

      April 06, 2020 at 8:37 am

      This is a great idea! I wish I had a lemon or orange tree that I could do this!

      Reply
    6. Jennifer says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:20 am

      Cool idea to do with lemons. so that can keep in the fridge and freezer

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:38 pm

        Our freezer is stocked with 3 bags of this already and we still have a lot more lemons to work through.

        Reply
    7. Sydney says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:50 am

      Yum! This would make wonderful lemonade.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:36 pm

        It is quite wonderful.

        Reply
    8. Casandra says

      April 06, 2020 at 10:47 am

      What a great idea to use up lemons while they are in season!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:31 pm

        Exactly, we will be doing this every year for sure.

        Reply
    9. Cindy says

      April 06, 2020 at 12:00 pm

      mmmm...super delicious. Makes me want summer to come fatser!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:29 pm

        I hear you, I am ready for summer and hoping we can all get outside and be with family and friends to share some lemonade with soon.

        Reply
    10. Debbi H says

      April 06, 2020 at 1:42 pm

      This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 7:15 pm

        It is refreshing and delish.

        Reply
    11. Cathy says

      April 06, 2020 at 2:09 pm

      Looks like a great idea! Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 7:13 pm

        You are welcome

        Reply
    12. Angie says

      April 06, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      This looks like a fun activity to do with the kids and how much fun to serve it when they have a sleepover!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 7:10 pm

        To be honest, the kids have made this so much lately that they do pretty much all the work.

        Reply
    13. Charlene says

      April 06, 2020 at 5:21 pm

      Love this! I go through lemons like crazy all year long - maybe I should plant a tree?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 7:08 pm

        Yes, plant one if your area can grow citrus.

        Reply
    14. Tim says

      April 06, 2020 at 5:50 pm

      Your lemonade looks delicious. Great thought to make concentrate.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 7:07 pm

        Thanks, Tim - we have SOOOO many lemons each year that this year it finally donned on me to make now and enjoy later!

        Reply
    15. Tricia Snow says

      April 06, 2020 at 7:26 pm

      This looks amazing! I love fresh lemonade. Perfect for summer!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        A little work now makes for great rewards later.

        Reply
    16. Tiffany says

      April 06, 2020 at 7:38 pm

      Look at the size of those lemons! This sounds like a great idea to do when lemons are plentiful!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 06, 2020 at 8:08 pm

        Our lemon tree is an odd one actually - it appears to have 2 kinds of lemons on it. We get these huge round grapefruit-like lemons with a thick skin and smaller oblong ones with thin skin. All yum though and so juicy!

        Reply
    17. Christina says

      April 06, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      What an amazing idea for home-grown lemons!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:44 am

        Yes it is.

        Reply
    18. Hillari says

      April 07, 2020 at 7:13 am

      Yum!!! And, oh my gosh, that lemon was HUGE!!!

      Reply
    19. Kendra says

      April 07, 2020 at 1:28 pm

      such a great way to use up all of those lemons! yum!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 7:13 pm

        Yes and we sure do get a lot!

        Reply
    20. jen says

      April 07, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      This is super! Totally going to try this one out!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 7:10 pm

        Great! Enjoy and let me know what you think.

        Reply
    21. Chantelle says

      April 07, 2020 at 4:26 pm

      This looks fun AND yummy!

      Reply
    22. heather J jandrue says

      April 07, 2020 at 5:37 pm

      This sounds so good!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 7:06 pm

        Thank you

        Reply
    23. Lisa says

      April 07, 2020 at 10:22 pm

      I have a bunch of lemons I need to use up, so this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 7:04 pm

        Great, I hate to waste food and this is a great way to make sure you use up all those lovely lemons!

        Reply
    24. Suzan says

      April 08, 2020 at 2:55 am

      Love this. Great way to store fresh lemons when in season.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 7:04 pm

        We have so many and so happy to not have any waste.

        Reply
    25. Sandi says

      April 08, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      I am extremely jealous you have a lemon tree!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 08, 2020 at 6:57 pm

        We actually have two - eek! We have a total of 9 fruit trees, including two avocados! One of the best things about California living.

        Reply
    26. Michele says

      April 09, 2020 at 8:04 pm

      That lemon is huge! The ones off of our tree are tiny in comparison. What’s the secret?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        April 13, 2020 at 6:40 am

        The tree was here when we bought the house and I am not sure what variety it is so that may be the key?

        Reply
    27. Cindy says

      April 19, 2020 at 8:11 pm

      This is a great idea to try! I’m looking forward to making my own lemonade concentrate.

      Reply
    28. chad says

      July 10, 2020 at 10:11 am

      oh my yes to lemon juice!!! I would have it every day if i can especially during summer...

      Reply
    29. Michelle says

      July 10, 2020 at 2:22 pm

      This is such a great idea! This is so much better than the powdered mix.

      Reply
    30. Liz says

      July 10, 2020 at 5:28 pm

      Lemon and sugar, yum.

      Reply
    31. Ana Smith says

      July 11, 2020 at 1:07 am

      I wish I could reach out and pick up one of those jars!
      Thanks for sharing this awesome information.

      Reply
    32. Anindya Sundar Basu says

      July 11, 2020 at 7:47 am

      Summer is the best tme to enjoy lemonade . We make lemonade every now and then and this recipe will definitely help. Thanks a lot

      Reply
    33. Kez says

      July 11, 2020 at 5:16 pm

      I wish I had room for a lemon tree! Lemons are ridiculously small and expensive here

      Reply
    34. Patrice says

      July 11, 2020 at 6:34 pm

      Love the idea of making a concentrate for later use. Lemonade is such a summer tradition in our family.

      Reply
    35. Alpa says

      July 11, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      Easy and refreshing summer drink! My kids favorite

      Reply
    36. reece says

      July 12, 2020 at 4:11 pm

      this looks so tasty! thanks for sharing

      Reply
    37. Travel Clans says

      July 13, 2020 at 12:16 am

      reminds me of my childhood and selling lemonade on the street corner! sigh!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 13, 2020 at 3:06 pm

        So sweet, yes great times in childhood working lemonade stands.

        Reply
    38. Jackie says

      July 23, 2020 at 7:25 am

      5 stars
      This had the perfect amount of sweetness and just how we like our lemonade.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        July 23, 2020 at 12:50 pm

        Great, glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    39. Neecee B says

      August 18, 2020 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe. Reminds me of my grandmother's.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 18, 2020 at 1:00 pm

        So glad to hear that and what a great food memory.

        Reply
    40. Alpa says

      August 18, 2020 at 7:40 pm

      5 stars
      I made this and it was great. Kids love homemade lemonade

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 18, 2020 at 8:28 pm

        Thanks for the comment and letting me know the kids loved it. Makes my day.

        Reply
    41. Anindya Sundar Basu says

      August 19, 2020 at 1:37 am

      Homemade lemonades are best for summers . I will love to have this all seasons . Thanks for the recipe

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 19, 2020 at 8:10 am

        You are welcome.

        Reply
    42. Ai says

      August 19, 2020 at 5:17 am

      5 stars
      This seems like the perfect thing to keep in your freezer for those lemonade cravings!

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 19, 2020 at 8:10 am

        It sure is, in fact we are going to make a batch today from our freezer. It has been close to 100° here in CA for several days.

        Reply
    43. Jacqueline Debono says

      August 19, 2020 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      I love the idea of freezing this lemonade concentrate to be able to have homemade lemonade long after our lemon tree has no more fruit!

      Reply
    44. Sid says

      August 19, 2020 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      I love lemonade. Such a great idea to make the concentrate and freeze for later. I’ll definitely be using your recipe.

      Reply
    45. LaRena Fry says

      August 19, 2020 at 10:36 pm

      5 stars
      Brillant!! Homemade lemonade sounds great. I love that you can place into a sealable plastic bag and freeze it.

      Reply
    46. Lathiya says

      August 28, 2020 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      I love good homemade lemonade in hot summer days. Making it in big batch and storing is a great way to enjoy lemonade whenever needed.

      Reply
    47. Ruby Mae says

      August 30, 2020 at 2:43 pm

      5 stars
      Made 4 batches today. Two are in my freezer and one fresh recipe.I just had a glass. It is the perfect sweetness. I had so many lemons from a neighbor and needed a recipe to use them all up. I gave my neighbor a ziplock for her freezer as a thank you.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        August 31, 2020 at 4:57 pm

        Ah, thanks, Ruby. I love hearing this was so good and shared amongst wonderful neighbors. No better way to enjoy some homemade lemonade from your own concentrate recipe.

        Reply
    48. Yugi says

      September 29, 2020 at 9:02 am

      I'm using this recipe for a dinner for those with food insecurity. A question about quantity - my concentrate made 4 cups of liquid and you say to add 4 cups of cold water to make a gallon; however that total only makes a 1/2 gallon. What am I missing?

      Reply
      • Angela says

        September 30, 2020 at 7:57 pm

        Thanks for the catch Yugi, you are right it is supposed to be for a half-gallon you use one batch. I just realized the pitcher I use to make this is not a gallon pitcher but a half gallon. I have adjusted the post. Sorry about that.

        Reply
    49. sparky says

      November 30, 2020 at 9:53 pm

      4 stars
      I made this recipe and made the half gallon. I then made a half gallon of iced tea and combined for Arnold Palmers. So glad to find this recipe to make the lemonade homemade and not use the powdered stuff.

      Reply
      • Angela says

        December 01, 2020 at 1:51 pm

        What a lovely idea to use this homemade lemonade concentrate to make Arnold Palmer. I will try this soon myself.

        Reply
    50. Charlotte says

      May 24, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      5 stars
      I made 8 batches. We had so many lemons this year on our trees. I haven't make lemonade yet but excited to have a freezer full and ready.

      Reply

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