Lemonade Concentrate

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This homemade lemonade concentrate is a summer game-changer! With just 3 ingredients and some water, you’ll be able to enjoy lemonade at its best with minimal effort. This recipe is your ticket to a refreshing, zesty drink that can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Lemonade concentrate in a glass bottle with a pour spout.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Customizable: The beauty of homemade lemonade concentrate is the ability to adjust the sweetness and zestiness to your liking. Whether you prefer it tart or sweet, this recipe can cater to everyone's preference.
Long-lasting: Once prepared, this concentrate can be stored in your fridge for days! It’s perfect for impromptu gatherings or a quick thirst quencher.
No artificial additives: Skip preservatives, artificial flavors, and colors often found in commercial concentrates, and make this version instead!
Budget-friendly: Skip the store-bought versions and save money with this cost-effective recipe.

A summer staple

Lemonade concentrate is the perfect quick solution when you’re craving something refreshing! This recipe simplifies the process of having to start from scratch every time you want a glass.

You just need a few ingredients — sugar, water, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice — for a tart, sweet, and unbelievably thirst-quenching beverage. The lemon zest intensifies the lemon flavor, giving each sip a burst of citrus.

By making your concentrate, you're opting for a healthier version free from preservatives and artificial flavors found in many commercial products. Now, you can enjoy a natural and refreshing drink that’s good for you!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Lemonade concentrate ingredients laid out individually with labels.

Sugar: I usually use cane sugar to balance the tartness of the lemons. If you're looking for alternatives, try agave or maple syrup.
Lemon zest: I love to add the zest for a pop of extra lemon flavor. Plus, it prevents food waste! Just remember to wash the lemon thoroughly.
Lemon juice: You can’t have lemonade concentrate without lemons! In a pinch, high-quality bottled lemon juice can also work, but I highly recommend fresh lemons.

How to make lemonade concentrate

Lemon zest on a small cutting board next to whole lemons and zester.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice in a bowl over a cutting board with whole lemons and lemon squeezer.

Step 1: Zest the lemon, then juice it. While you’re zesting, make sure to get only the yellow part of the skin, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Lemon zest with water and sugar in a saucepan.

Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the lemon zest, water, and sugar. Heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves, stirring continuously.

Step 3: After removing the simple syrup mixture from the heat, add the lemon juice and let the concentrate cool. Strain it through a fine-mesh strainer to remove the zest.

Step 4: Transfer your lemonade concentrate to an airtight glass jar and keep it in the refrigerator until you need it! Add water as needed to your preferred lemonade strength.

Storage & Reheating

Homemade lemonade concentrate is easy and convenient to store, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink at any time. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Fridge: Pour the concentrate into an airtight glass jar or container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the concentrate in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. They will last up to 6 months this way.

Variations

Mint: Add fresh mint leaves to the syrup while it simmers for a refreshing twist.
Ginger: Include slices of fresh ginger in the saucepan for a spicy kick.
Lavender: Stir in dried lavender flowers for a floral note.
Basil: Infuse your lemonade concentrate with herbaceous basil notes.
Turmeric: Add a teaspoon of turmeric for its health benefits and a vibrant color.

Top tips

Use fresh lemons: The quality of your lemonade greatly depends on the freshness of the lemons. Use ripe, juicy lemons for the best flavor.
Be gentle with the zesting: Only zest the yellow part of the lemon skin to avoid the bitter white pith, enhancing the lemon flavor without any bitterness.
Dissolve the sugar: Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved during the simmering process for a smooth concentrate.
Strain it thoroughly: Use a fine-mesh strainer to ensure your concentrate is smooth and free from zest and seeds.
Shake before use: If the concentrate settles or separates in the fridge, give it a good shake or stir before using.

Fresh lemonade in a glass with ice, mint leaves, and dried lemon slice.

FAQ

What can I do if my lemonade is too sour?

If your lemonade turns out too sour, you can sweeten it by adding more sugar to the concentrate or directly to your glass when mixing it with water.

Is it necessary to strain the concentrate?

I recommend straining the concentrate to remove the lemon zest and any pulp, resulting in a smoother lemonade drinking experience.

How much water should I add to dilute it?

The amount of water you should add to your lemonade concentrate to make a pitcher of lemonade can vary depending on your taste preferences. Start with 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water, then make adjustments from there.

Similar recipes

If you enjoyed this lemonade concentrate recipe, be sure to check out some more flavored simple syrups like these:

Brown Sugar Syrup: A 2-ingredient recipe full of deep, rich molasses flavor.
Cardamom Syrup: A sweet, spiced recipe perfect for the holiday season.
Lavender Simple Syrup: Simple syrup infused with aromatic and floral flavors.
Lychee Syrup: Full of sweet, fruity, and tropical flavors.