Honey Lemonade
Looking for the ultimate summer drink? Try our homemade honey lemonade! This easy recipe comes together with only 3 ingredients: honey, lemon juice, and water. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a BBQ, this lemonade recipe is a must-have summer drink.
Easy Homemade Lemonade with Honey
Let me tell you about John and me and our love of honey lemonade. During those scorching summer months, it’s one of our go-to drinks. It’s on the weekly rotation along with ginger infused water and peach tea.
The best part about this lemonade? It’s ridiculously easy to make. We start by making a honey-based simple syrup, which is just a fancy way of saying we mix honey and water together until the honey dissolves into the water. Then, we combine it with some fresh lemon juice, add some more water, and voila! Honey lemonade, magic in the making.
But, how does it taste? Imagine the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, like a little burst of sunshine in every sip. The honey adds this subtle sweetness that’s not too overpowering, while the lemon juice gives it just the right amount of kick. It’s like summer in a glass. We hope you enjoy it!
Tips for the Perfect Honey Lemonade
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. It makes all the difference!
- Play with Ratios: Adjust the amount of honey and lemon juice to suit your tastes. Like it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer it tart? Up the lemon juice.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors! Add fresh mint sprigs, some basil leaves, or a handful of berries for an extra burst of freshness.
- Chill It: Serve your honey lemonade over plenty of ice.
- Make Extra: Make a big batch in a large pitcher to keep everyone hydrated during those backyard BBQs.
- Choose Your Favorite Honey: The flavor of honey you choose (orange blossom honey, clover honey, wildflower honey, black mangrove honey, etc.) will come through in the lemonade, so pick your favorite. It can also change the color of the lemonade.
Storage Information:
So, you’ve made a big ol’ pitcher of honey lemonade, but you can’t possibly drink it all in one sitting (or can you?). No worries! Here’s how to store the leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Pour any leftovers into airtight containers or bottles and store them in the fridge. It stays fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Want to save some for later? Pour your honey lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. Drop a couple of cubes into your water or iced tea for extra flavor! Or even better, make lemonade popsicles.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While the bottled stuff will work in a pinch, freshly squeezed lemon juice will give you the best flavor. Trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Can I use agave syrup or another sweetener instead of honey?
Yes! Feel free to swap out the honey for your sweetener of choice. Agave nectar, maple syrup, or stevia are good options. You’ll need to play with the amounts to get the sweetness to your liking.
Just keep in mind that using a different sweetener might alter the flavor slightly.
Does alcohol taste good in this lemonade?
Yes, adding a splash of alcohol to honey lemonade turns it into the best adult beverage! Whether you add a bit of whiskey, a shot of tequila, pour in some gin, or add your favorite rum, mixing booze with honey lemonade opens up a whole world of flavor possibilities. It’s a great way to get creative with cocktails.
Ingredients
- ½ to ⅔ cup honey, adjust to taste
- 5 cups water
- 1 ½ cups lemon juice
- Ice, for pitcher and glasses
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat the honey and 1 cup of water over low heat until the honey dissolves and is thoroughly mixed with the water. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.½ to ⅔ cup honey
- Add ice to a large pitcher then pour in the lemon juice and honey syrup.Ice1 ½ cups lemon juice
- Pour in the remaining 4 cups of water, and stir to combine.
- Serve in individual glasses over ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.