Old-Fashion Lemonade

Prep: 10 min Serves: 7 Cuisine: American

A refreshing, tangy lemonade with a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus flavor, ideal for hot days or outdoor gatherings enjoyed by family and friends.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 4 1/2 cups cold water
  • lemon slices

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar and boiling water, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add lemon juice and cold water; mix well.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter lemonade, adjust the sugar to your taste, or consider using honey or agave syrup as a natural substitute. If fresh lemons aren't available, bottled lemon juice can be a quick alternative, although fresh juice offers better flavor. To enhance the drink, add sprigs of mint or a few drops of vanilla extract for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lemonade over ice in tall glasses, garnished with lemon slices for a classic presentation. This drink pairs beautifully with summer dishes like Barbecued Corn-On-The-Cob or a light salad. For a fun twist, try adding fresh berries or a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy lemonade.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors may intensify over time, so give it a good stir before serving. It's best served chilled, but if you prefer it cold, add ice cubes just before enjoying to maintain its refreshing taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Old-Fashion Lemonade contains roughly 183 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

183 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.9g 12% DV
Total Fat 2.7g 4% DV
Carbs 35.6g 13% DV
Fiber 5.9g 21% DV
Sugar 0.7g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 119.4mg 5% DV
Potassium 272.7mg 6% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 15.6mg 17% DV
Calcium 66.7mg 5% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?

Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used in place of fresh lemon juice. However, fresh lemons provide a brighter flavor that enhances the overall taste of the lemonade. If you use bottled juice, opt for one with no added sugars for a more authentic taste.

How can I make this lemonade more refreshing?

To make your lemonade even more refreshing, consider infusing it with fresh herbs like mint or basil. You can also add slices of cucumber or strawberries for an extra burst of flavor. Chilling the lemonade in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving will also enhance its refreshing qualities.

Is there a way to make this lemonade sugar-free?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Be mindful of the sweetness level, as some sweeteners are more potent than sugar. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, ensuring you maintain the refreshing quality of the lemonade.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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