Homemade Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup

Hi! I'm

ELIZABETH

I'm a Certified Health Coach, longtime blogger, and host of Elizabeth Eats on YouTube. In addition to writing recipes (I love to eat!), I'm a strong believer that life is too short to settle for anything less than living your best life.

TOP LINKS

Breakfast IDEAS

Dinner IDEAS

ALL RECIPES

Newsletter

lemonade glass with lemons and flowers

There’s truly nothing like a cold glass of fresh lemonade during the summertime, especially when it’s this homemade Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup. 

 

For decades, lemonade has been regarded as a thirst-quenching symbol of summer. It’s depicted in movies being sipped by friends on porches and sold by children at lemonade stands. 

 

While it makes a refreshing beverage during any time of year, there’s no doubt that lemonade has always been the unofficial drink of the summer season. Have you ever wondered why that is? 

 

Yes, lemonade is delicious. That part is unmistakable. But did you know that foods with high concentrations of Vitamin C can actually decrease your body temperature? This includes oranges, bell peppers, and of courselemons. 

 

If you’re looking for the perfect healthy drink recipe to make for those blazing hot days, look no further than this Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup. 

 

Made with just 3 simple ingredients, this refreshing homemade lemonade is bursting with fresh flavors and takes just a few minutes to whip up. Squeeze your lemons, make your homemade honey simple syrup, and refrigerate until your lemonade is ready to go. 

 

This is my go-to drink recipe during the summertime. Whether I’m enjoying a Saturday afternoon at home with the family or hosting a backyard barbecue with friends, it’s a must.

 

If you’re going to be entertaining a group, this is the perfect recipe to impress. It always seems to shock people when I tell them I make my lemonade from scratch, rather than using lemonade powder. 

 

Honestly, it almost seems deceptive on my part considering how insanely easy it is to make. That being said, I can’t say I mind the flattery! 

 

You can serve this homemade lemonade with just about anything. I love enjoying it alongside some of my favorite summertime dishes like macaroni salad and turkey burgers

 

Pro tip: If you’re throwing a party or cookout, make a separate pitcher of adults-only lemonade and add a little vodka for a healthy and refreshing cocktail. 

 

Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup is quick, easy, wholesome, and refreshingly delicious. It’s a fantastic alternative to store-bought lemonade, not to mention it’s much more cost-effective. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think! 

 

Key Ingredients 

To make this refreshing lemonade with honey simple syrup, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Lemon juice. Using fresh lemons for this recipe is absolutely essential! You’ll need roughly 10-12 lemons to make a full pitcher of fresh lemonade. Lemons are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants and have a cooling effect on the body. This is one of the reasons why they’re so commonly consumed during the hotter months!
  • Filtered Water. For the best-tasting results, make sure to use filtered water instead of tap water if you can.
  • Honey. Feel free to use any type of honey you like in this recipe. Tupelo and acacia honey are some of the sweetest types of honey, but just pick your favorite! 

Health Benefits of Honey

While we know and love honey as a natural alternative to table sugar, it’s also been used in traditional medicine since ancient times.

From Ancient Egypt to Ancient China, honey has been used as a source of healing for everything from digestive problems to open wounds.

Honey is chock-full of antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds that provide a wide range of impressive benefits to the body. 

Here are some of the top health benefits of honey

  • Good for digestion. Honey is known as a prebiotic, meaning it helps to nourish good gut bacteria in the body. This is essential in supporting a thriving gut flora, which promotes a healthy digestive system. 
  • Immunity booster. The rich antibacterial properties found in honey are not only beneficial in protecting the body from bacteria but also boost immunity. 
  • Natural cough syrup. Honey is abundant in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can create a soothing effect on the throat, which can help to reduce cough symptoms. One study even found that honey was more effective than some common cough medications. 
  • Supports heart health. The various antioxidant compounds contained in honey can be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease by stabilizing blood pressure, preventing blood clot formation, and reducing the body’s cholesterol levels. 

How to Make Lemonade With Honey Simple Syrup

With just a few simple steps, this homemade lemonade recipe is beyond easy to make. Simply follow the below instructions and you’ll be sipping ice-cold lemonade in no time:

  1. Juice the lemons using a juicer or cut them in half and juice them over a strainer to catch any pulp. Add the lemon juice and water to a large jug with a spout. 
  2. Mix honey and water in a small container with a lid, then shake until fully incorporated.
  3. Stir the honey simple syrup into the jug with a wooden spoon until mixed well, then add lemon slices and refrigerate. Serve ice cold.

lemonade pitcher with lemons and flowers

Recipe Variations

Looking for ways to mix it up? Here are my favorite ways to adapt this recipe: 

  • Add fresh fruit. To make a fruit-flavored lemonade, add some fresh fruit to the pitcher and muddle it in so the flavors disperse throughout the beverage. Strawberries, peaches, blueberries, and pineapples all work really well in lemonade. 
  • Add fresh herbs. Not only do fresh herbs add some bright and earthy flavors, but they add a beautiful pop of color to the pitcher that’s perfect for social gatherings. Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender all work great.
  • Make lemonade ice cubes. This is one of my favorite hacks for the times when you’re hosting a cookout and want to keep the lemonade pitcher cold without watering it down. By making lemonade ice cubes ahead of time to toss in, you can keep your lemonade cold for hours without diluting the flavor! 
  • Make it boozy. Throwing a party? Turn this bad boy into a fun party cocktail by mixing in a little of your favorite vodka or rum. A lemon-flavored vodka like Deep Eddy would taste fantastic when mixed into this homemade lemonade. 
  • Make lemonade popsicles. If you have popsicle molds at home, try freezing your lemonade into popsicles for the ultimate summertime treat.
  • Toss in frozen fruit. For subtle added flavor and an assurance that your lemonade will stay cold for hours without being watered down, toss in frozen fruit like berries or peaches instead of ice cubes. It makes for a stunning presentation and will keep your glass ice cold!

What to Serve With Lemonade With Honey Simple Syrup

Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup is light, tasty, easy to make, and pairs beautifully with just about any dish you’re in the mood for. In need of a little inspiration for your next cookout?

Some of my favorite dishes to serve with lemonade include classics like my egg salad, broccoli slaw, slow cooker chicken tacos, and avocado pesto pasta

For the ultimate summertime dessert, you’ve got to try pairing this drink with my No-Bake Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake. It’s simple, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying during those hot summer days.   

If you’re looking to serve this homemade lemonade alongside more refreshing drinks, try my ultra-refreshing watermelon juice and super hydrating kale juice.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: Elizabeth Rider
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 11-12 cups 1x
  • Category: Beverage
  • Method: Stir, mix
  • Cuisine: American

Description

You’re going to love this refreshingly delicious Lemonade with Honey Simple Syrup. It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day, and you only need 3 ingredients!


Ingredients

Units Scale

Lemonade:

  • 2 1/2 cups lemon juice (about 10-12 medium lemons), strained
  • 2 quarts of filtered water
  • 1 lemon, sliced and seeds removed for garnish (optional)

Honey Simple Syrup:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup filtered water

Instructions

  1. Juice the lemons using a juicer or cut them in half and juice them over a strainer to catch any pulp. Add the lemon juice and water to a large jug with a spout. 
  2. Mix honey and water in a small container with a lid, then shake until fully incorporated.
  3. Stir the honey simple syrup into the jug with a wooden spoon until mixed well, then add lemon slices and refrigerate. Serve ice cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about homemade lemonade: 

How long can I store homemade lemonade?

While lemonade is best served fresh, you can easily store it in the fridge in a pitcher with an airtight lid for up to a week. To store lemonade in the freezer, freeze it in an ice cube tray first. Then, transfer the frozen ice cubes to an airtight storage bag.

When stored like this, the lemonade ice cubes will keep for up to 6 months. You can use them to make lemonade slushies or to keep your fresh lemonade ice-cold. 

Is homemade lemonade good for you?

Absolutely! Lemons are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide ample health benefits to the body. Similarly, honey is rich in antioxidants and bioactive plant compounds that support immunity, digestion, and heart health. Together, this homemade lemonade recipe is both nutritious and delicious. 

What can I use instead of honey?

If you aren’t a fan of honey or want to make a vegan-friendly lemonade, use agave syrup or regular simple syrup instead. If using one of these options, I suggest adding a little at a time and tasting as you go until you’ve reached your desired sweetness level. 

More Healthy Summer Recipes

If you liked this delicious recipe, here are some healthy summer recipes to try next:

Leave A Review + Read The Comments →

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Hi, I'm Elizabeth

I teach you how to be healthier without extremes, so you can live more and obsess less.

Subscribe now for delicious recipes, inspiration, and ideas to make life better each week:

as seen in:

READ          LATEST

the

join over 67,000+ readers Getting New Healthy Recipes Every Week

For a limited time, new subscribers get 9 Healthy Recipe eBooks—For FREE!

Claim Your Subscriber Perks!