8 Must-Try Lemonades and Fruit Refreshers for Sunny Days

These refreshing homemade lemonades are bright, fruity and easy to prepare. Each recipe makes about 4 servings and can be adjusted for sweetness.

Quick Lemonade Base

Makes: 4 servings · Prep: 10 minutes

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 cups cold water
• ½ to ¾ cup simple syrup
• Ice and fresh garnishes

Whisk lemon juice, water and simple syrup in a pitcher. Taste and add more water or syrup if needed. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.

1. Strawberry Lemonade

Ingredients: 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup lemon juice, ½ cup simple syrup, 3 cups cold water and ice.

Method: Wash and hull the strawberries. Blend them with ½ cup water until smooth. Stir the puree, lemon juice, syrup and remaining water together. Strain for a smooth drink or keep the pulp for extra fruit flavor. Serve over ice with strawberry slices and mint.

2. Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Ingredients: 2 cups seedless watermelon, 1 cup lemon juice, ¼ cup mint leaves, ½ cup syrup, 3 cups water and ice.

Method: Blend watermelon and strain if desired. Gently bruise the mint leaves with a spoon, then add watermelon, lemon juice, syrup and water to a pitcher. Chill and serve with crushed ice, mint and a watermelon wedge.

3. Peach Lemonade

Ingredients: 2 ripe peaches, 1 cup lemon juice, ½ cup syrup, 3 cups cold water and ice.

Method: Remove the peach stones and blend the flesh with a little water. Combine the peach puree with lemon juice, syrup and water. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, stir well and garnish with peach slices and mint.

4. Blueberry Lemonade

Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries, 1 cup lemon juice, ½ cup syrup, 3 cups water and ice.

Method: Simmer blueberries with 2 tablespoons water for 3–4 minutes, then cool and mash. Mix with lemon juice, syrup and water. Strain if you prefer a clear drink. Add blueberries and lemon wheels before serving.

5. Classic Mint Lemonade

Ingredients: 1 cup lemon juice, ½ cup syrup, ¼ cup fresh mint, 4 cups cold water, lemon slices and ice.

Method: Add mint and syrup to a pitcher and gently muddle for 20 seconds. Stir in lemon juice and water. Do not crush the mint too aggressively, or it may taste bitter. Chill and serve with lemon wheels.

6. Mango Lemonade

Ingredients: 1 large ripe mango, 1 cup lemon juice, ⅓–½ cup syrup, 3 cups water and ice.

Method: Peel and cube the mango, then blend with ½ cup water. Stir the puree into the lemonade base and adjust sweetness. Chill thoroughly and serve with mango cubes or a chili-salt rim for a fun twist.

7. Cucumber Lime Refresher

Ingredients: 1 cucumber, ½ cup lime juice, ½ cup lemon juice, ½ cup syrup, 3 cups water and ice.

Method: Blend half the cucumber with water and strain. Add lime juice, lemon juice and syrup. Slice the remaining cucumber into rounds and add them to the pitcher. Serve extra cold with lime wedges.

8. Yuzu Lemonade Refresher

Ingredients: ½ cup yuzu juice, ½ cup lemon juice, ½ cup syrup, 3 cups cold water and ice.

Method: Combine yuzu, lemon juice, syrup and water. Taste carefully because yuzu is naturally tart and aromatic; add more water or syrup as needed. Serve with mint and thin lemon slices.

More Refreshing Inspiration

Best Tips

• Use freshly squeezed citrus for the cleanest flavor.
• Chill the drink before adding ice so it does not become watery.
• Prepare simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water, then cool completely.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and use within 24 hours.
• For sparkling lemonade, replace half the water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.

Which flavor will you try first?