There’s something so comforting about a big pitcher of homemade orange lemonade on the kitchen table. Especially when it’s made from simple ingredients and full of fresh, bright flavor.
This Homemade Orange Lemonade brings together the tartness of the lemon with the sweet sunshine of fresh orange juice, creating a cheerful drink that’s just right for a hot summer day, Sunday brunch, or front porch sipping.
We love recipes that feel like home. This one reminds us of visiting roadside farm stands for sweet oranges, fresh lemons, and a few juicy blood oranges when we’re lucky.
Whether you’re cooling off after a day in the garden or just want something fun and flavorful for the kids, this easy citrus lemonade is the perfect go-to for any day that calls for cold beverages and a little old-fashioned refreshment.
Homemade Orange Lemonade: A Fresh Squeezed Favorite
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ Cups Orange Juice fresh squeezed, about 2-3 sweet oranges
- ¾ Cup Lemon Juice fresh squeezed, about 3-4 tart lemons
- 5 Cups Water
- ¾ Cup Sugar adjust to taste
Instructions
- Juice the citrus. We use a hand juicer, but you can use your favorite fancy juicer to squeeze out all the goodness from your oranges and lemons. If desired, strain out the pulp and seeds.1 ¼ Cups Orange Juice, ¾ Cup Lemon Juice
- In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, water and sugar.5 Cups Water, ¾ Cup Sugar
- Taste and tweak. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar.
- Serve it cold. Pour over ice cubes and garnish with thin slices of citrus for a farmhouse-style finish.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Tips
Use what you have. If you’ve got leftover oranges or fresh fruit from the garden or market, this is a great idea for using them up. Try different fruits. Sub in Cara Cara oranges, blood oranges, or even Meyer lemons if your lemon trees are producing. Preserve the zest. Don’t waste that squeezed lemon peel! Zest it first and stir a bit into the pitcher or save for lemon sugar or baking. Sugar swap. Want a wholesome option? Maple syrup or honey works wonderfully as a natural sweetener. Just adjust to taste. Make a simple syrup (optional).To help the sugar dissolve easily, heat ¾ cup sugar with ¾ cup water in a small saucepan until the sugar melts. Let it cool.Nutrition
Recipe Variations
- Strawberry Lemonade. Add muddled or pureed strawberries for a farmhouse twist on a fruity classic.
- Orange Arnold Palmer. Mix half lemonade with iced tea for a refreshing summer hybrid.
- Sparkling Citrus Punch. Replace some water with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
- More zing? Try a splash of lime juice or even a little lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this drink with summer drinks and snacks like grilled chicken, pasta salad, or fresh berry shortcake.
- Pour into mason jars with a sugared rim and citrus garnish for a fun farmhouse party touch.
- Add to your brunch spread with quiche, muffins, or a homemade breakfast casserole.
Storing Leftovers
- Keep in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Stir before serving—some separation is normal with real lemonade.
- Freeze in ice cube trays and use in iced tea or sparkling water for extra flavor the next day.
Refreshing Citrus Lemonade
This homemade orange lemonade is just the kind of easy orange lemonade recipe we love to make on a slow summer day. Sweet, tart, and full of charm. With its simple ingredients and endless ways to customize, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen too.
My family loved this!