Make this lemonade syrup concentrate once, then stir up a glass of lemonade in seconds whenever you want it. It uses fresh lemon juice, lemon rind, sugar, and water for a bright, sweet-tart base you keep chilled and dilute to taste.
This is a practical make-ahead mix for hot days, quick drinks, and last-minute guests. You can pour a little over ice and top it with water for a single glass, or blend it with ice for a frosty slushie-style treat.
Keep this lemonade concentrate tightly covered in the refrigerator so it is ready when you are. We like to use the wide mouth mason jars with pour lids. Because you add the water when serving, you control the strength of each glass from lightly lemony to boldly tart.
Homemade Lemonade Syrup Concentrate Recipe
You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated lemon rind
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups water
Blend the lemon rind, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the water, then cover the concentrate tightly and refrigerate it until you are ready to use it.
To Use:
Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup into a large glass filled with ice, then top with water to suit your taste.
For a colder treat, blend the concentrate with ice for a quick lemonade slushie. It also pairs nicely with summer desserts like Maple Walnut Frozen Cream Pie or cookies for a simple warm-weather spread.
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
💸 Budget101® Price Breakdown: Lemonade Syrup Concentrate
Ingredient |
Walmart Item |
Pkg Price |
Amount Used |
Cost Used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fresh grated lemon rind |
$0.65 |
2 T. |
$1.30 |
|
Lemon juice |
$0.65 |
2 C. |
$6.93 |
|
Granulated sugar |
$2.98 |
2 C. |
$0.66 |
|
Water |
– |
1 1/2 C. |
$0.01 |
💸 |
Cost |
|---|---|
🧾 Total Batch Cost |
$8.90 |
👨👩👧👦 Cost Per Serving |
$0.32 |
🏪 Lemonade Concentrate |
$1.68 (~$0.28/serving) |
📅 Walmart prices last verified August 26, 2026. Prices may vary by location and are subject to change. Learn how to calculate the cost of a recipe on your own!
Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Lemonade Concentrate
It uses fresh grated lemon rind, fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, and water.
The recipe uses 2 cups of fresh lemon juice.
You will need 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Add 1 1/2 cups of water to the concentrate.
Blend the lemon rind, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the water, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
Put 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup in a large glass with ice, then fill the glass with water to taste.
Yes. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup and add water to match your taste preference.
Yes. Cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator.
Yes. This is a make-ahead recipe that you can keep on hand for quick lemonade.
Yes. You can blend it with ice for a slushie treat on a hot summer day.
Tried this recipe? Mention @Budget101com or tag #Budget101
📌 Love this Lemonade Concentrate Syrup Recipe? Pin it!
Printable Recipe Card
Lemonade Syrup Concentrate
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated lemon rind
- 2 cups lemon juice
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
Equipment
Instructions
- Blend the lemon rind, lemon juice, and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.2 tablespoons fresh grated lemon rind2 cups lemon juice2 cups granulated sugar
- Add the water.1 1/2 cups water
- Cover tightly and refrigerate.
- To serve, put 1 to 2 tablespoons of syrup in a large glass with ice, then fill with water to taste.
Recipe Size Alteration
💡 If you altered the ingredients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cook time.
sounds delightful i love lemonade
great idea for hot summer days in texas.
delicious…..will have to try this when the temp warms up.
oh i am so happy to find this recipe. both hubby and son love lemonade.
now i can make is as often as they want!
big thank you !! :balloon:
this looks great! we were spending $4 a week on this at the store. Anyone know if Stevia or non-calorie sweetener can be substituted, and if so, in what quantity?
Thanks!
i have a couple big parties..and a reunion coming up real soon….this recipe sounds awesome…it don’t say how much it makes…i need to make it by the gallons can you help me out
If you do the math – 5.5 cups of liquid = 88 tablespoons so it all depends on the amount of concentrate you use for each serving.
also how long does it last in the refrigerator
i have a couple big parties..and a reunion coming up real soon….this recipe sounds awesome…it don’t say how much it makes…i need to make it by the gallons can you help me out…and how long does it last in the refrigerator…thanks