Homemade Lemonade Recipe and more...

In This Issue...

Homemade Lemonade Recipe
JCPenney Buy One Get Two FREE Women’s Sandals Sale
Freezer Friendly Breakfast Sandwiches
Walmart Plus Membership 50% Off (Just $1 for 30 Days)
FREE $5 Groupon Credit (No Purchase Required!)
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Homemade Lemonade Recipe

There is just something about a tall glass of homemade lemonade on a warm day.

Whether you’re sitting on the porch, hosting a backyard barbecue, or looking for a refreshing drink to cool off after spending time outside, this easy lemonade recipe is always a favorite.

The best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make fresh, delicious lemonade that tastes so much better than anything you’ll buy at the store.

Once you learn how easy it is to make homemade lemonade from scratch, you’ll probably never go back to the powdered mixes again.

Iced lemonade in a glass with a yellow-striped straw and lemon slice, surrounded by whole and halved lemons.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Lemonade Recipe

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count during the summer months over the last 30 years of living my adult life.

It’s very inexpensive and one of those recipes that’s simple enough for the kids to help make, but delicious enough to serve when friends and family come over.

I also love that it’s easy to customize. Some days we like it extra tart, while other times we add a little more sweetness.

You can even toss in fresh berries, mint, or sliced fruit to make it feel a little more special.

If you’re looking for the perfect refreshing summer drink, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Six lemons in a white bowl sit on a white wooden surface beside a glass jar, sugar bowl, and textured cloth.

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 cup water (for the simple syrup)
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4 to 6 lemons)
4 cups cold water
Ice
Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Fresh mint (optional)

Iced lemonade in a glass with a striped straw and lemon slice, with extra lemons and lemonade behind.

How to Make Homemade Lemonade

Full directions on how to make this simple Homemade Lemonade recipe are in the printable recipe card below. This is a quick walk through on how it is made.

Step 1: Make the Simple Syrup

Combine the sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.

Remove from the heat and allow the syrup to cool.

A stainless steel saucepan with cloudy liquid rests on a white wooden surface beside a textured cloth.

A stainless steel saucepan with clear water rests on a white wooden surface beside a folded white towel.

Step 2: Juice the Lemons

While the syrup is cooling, squeeze enough lemons to make 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.

Strain out the seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade.

Lemon juicer in use with a halved lemon, two squeezed halves, and a white towel on wood.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Pour the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water into a large pitcher.

Stir until well combined.

A top view of a glass of light yellow juice on a white wooden surface beside a textured white cloth.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Everyone likes lemonade a little differently.

Taste it and add a little more water if it’s too strong, more lemon juice if you’d like it tarter, or a little extra sugar if you’d like it sweeter.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Serve over plenty of ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices or mint if desired.

Two glasses of iced lemonade with yellow striped straws, lemon slices, a whole lemon, and a bottle on white.

Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Course Beverage

Cuisine American

Keyword lemon, lemonade

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Cool 30

Servings

Calories 137kcal

Author Kristie Sawicki

Ingredients

1 cup sugar adjust to taste
1 cup water for the syrup
1 cup lemon juice about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed
4 cups cold water to dilute

Optional Add-ins:

Slices of lemon for garnish
Ice cubes

Instructions

Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
Juice the lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice the lemons to make 1 cup of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and excess pulp for a smoother lemonade.
Combine and mix: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
Adjust flavor as needed: Taste your lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar, lemon juice, or water according to your preference.
Chill and serve: Add ice cubes directly to the pitcher or to individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled.

Nutrition

Helpful Tips & Variations

Fresh lemons make all the difference. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice gives the best flavor.
Make the simple syrup ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator.
Add fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a fun fruity twist.
Stir in fresh mint for an extra refreshing flavor.
Replace some of the water with sparkling water for homemade sparkling lemonade.
Freeze leftover lemonade into popsicle molds for a refreshing summer treat.

Storage

Store leftover homemade lemonade in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

For the freshest flavor, wait to add ice until you’re ready to serve. This keeps the lemonade from becoming watered down.

You can also freeze lemonade in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Frozen lemonade cubes are perfect for adding to future glasses without diluting the flavor.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can work if that’s what you have on hand.

How many lemons do I need?

Most lemons produce about 2 to 3 tablespoons of juice, so you’ll usually need 4 to 6 lemons for this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Homemade lemonade actually tastes even better after it has chilled for a few hours.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Start with a little less sugar if you prefer a tarter lemonade. You can always stir in a little more after tasting.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. This recipe doubles easily, making it perfect for cookouts, birthday parties, family reunions, and summer gatherings.

More Refreshing Summer Recipes

Looking for more easy recipes to enjoy this summer? Here are a few favorites:

homemade recipes library graphic that says Check out our entire library of simple homemade recipes from scratch.

Now That You’ve Made This Recipe

One of my favorite things about homemade lemonade is that no two pitchers have to be exactly alike.

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, have fun experimenting with different fruits, herbs, and flavors to make it your own.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how you served it.

Did you stick with the classic version, or did you add your own special twist?

JCPenney Buy One Get Two FREE Women’s Sandals Sale

If you’ve been needing a few new pairs of sandals for summer, this is one of the best sandals deals I’ve seen in a while!

JCPenney is running a big Buy One, Get Two Free Sandals Sale right now!

That means you can walk away with three pairs of sandals for the price of one.

Person sitting on a rug holds a JC Penney shoe box, surrounded by assorted women's sandals and slides.

How the JCPenney Sandal Sale Works

There are over 100 styles to choose from! No coupon code is needed. Just add three pairs to your cart and you’ll see the discount at checkout.

Whether you’re looking for everyday flip flops, comfortable walking sandals, dressier styles, or something to wear on vacation, there are hundreds of styles included in the promotion.

Four women’s sandals: blue striped platform, animal print with buckle, black with gold accent, and tan braided flower.

Popular Styles Included

You may find brands and styles such as:

Arizona
a.n.a.
Mixit
East 5th
St. John’s Bay
Journee Collection
Cliffs by White Mountain
Easy Spirit

Selection varies by size and availability.

My Tip

If you’re already planning to buy one pair of sandals this summer, this is a great opportunity to stock up.

You could also use this opportunity to:

Keep one pair for yourself.
Grab a second pair in another color.
Save the third pair for next year or tuck it away as a birthday or Christmas gift.

These promotions tend to be popular, so the best sizes usually disappear first.

See all of the Buy One Get Two FREE sandals here.

Prices and availability can change without notice. Offer valid while supplies last.

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Freezer Friendly Breakfast Sandwiches

Busy mornings don’t have to mean skipping breakfast or grabbing something expensive from the drive thru.

These Freezer Friendly Breakfast Sandwiches are one of my favorite make ahead breakfasts because they come together in less than an hour and give you six hearty breakfasts ready whenever you need them.

Made with fluffy eggs, melted cheese, crispy bacon or savory sausage, and toasted English muffins, these homemade breakfast sandwiches taste every bit as good as the frozen ones from the grocery store and cost a whole lot less.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or stocking your freezer for busy school mornings, this is one recipe you’ll be glad to have on hand.

Breakfast sandwiches stacked on a white plate, made with English muffins, eggs, melted cheese, and sausage patties.

Why You’ll Love These Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

I love having a few of these tucked away in the freezer because they make mornings so much easier.

Instead of spending time cooking breakfast before work or school, I can simply grab one, heat it up, and breakfast is ready in just a couple of minutes.

Another thing I love is how customizable they are.

I usually make half with bacon and half with sausage so everyone in my family gets their favorite.

You can also switch up the cheese, add vegetables, or even make them a little healthier with whole wheat English muffins and turkey sausage.

If you’ve ever bought frozen breakfast sandwiches from the grocery store, you’ll be amazed at how much fresher these taste.

Eggs, cheese slices, sausage patties, bacon, English muffins, and salt and pepper shakers on a marble counter.

Ingredients

6 English muffins, split in half
6 large eggs
3 slices bacon, cut in half
3 sausage patties
6 slices cheese (Gouda, cheddar, American, Swiss, or your favorite)
Salt and pepper
Butter or cooking spray

Six English muffin breakfast sandwiches neatly arranged on cheese slices, with eggs, forks, and a striped towel nearby.

How to Make Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches

Full directions on how to make this Freezer Breakfast Sandwich recipe are in the printable recipe card below. This is a quick walk through on how it is made.

Six strips of bacon sizzling in a nonstick skillet with rendered fat, on a light marble countertop.

Three cooked sausage patties sit in a nonstick pan with a wooden handle on a light countertop.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon and Sausage

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel lined plate.

Cook the sausage patties in the same skillet until they are cooked through. Drain on paper towels and set aside.

Four sunny-side-up eggs cook in a sectioned frying pan, sprinkled with salt and pepper; two white shakers behind.

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

Grease a nonstick skillet or egg ring pan with butter or cooking spray.

Crack the eggs into the pan and season with salt and pepper.

Cook until the egg whites are set and the yolks are cooked to your liking. If you prefer firmer yolks, carefully flip the eggs and cook for another minute or two.

Allow the eggs to cool slightly before assembling the sandwiches.

Four plates on marble display sliced cheddar, cooked eggs, an English muffin half, bacon, and sausage patties.

Four plates on marble: bacon and sausage, a cheese-topped sandwich, extra cheese slices, and cooked eggs.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay the bottom halves of the English muffins on your work surface.

Place one slice of cheese on each muffin.

Top each with one cooked egg.

For three sandwiches, add two bacon halves.

Cooked bacon, sausage patties, fried eggs, cheddar slices, and a breakfast sandwich on a white surface.

Cooked bacon, sausage patties, cheddar slices, and fried eggs on plates; one plate has a stacked sandwich.

For the remaining three sandwiches, add one sausage patty.

Finish with the top half of each English muffin.

Step 4: Wrap and Freeze

Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper.

Place the wrapped sandwiches into a large freezer bag or airtight container.

Freeze for up to three months.

Step 5: Reheat

When you’re ready to enjoy one, unwrap the sandwich from the parchment paper and wrap it loosely in a paper towel.

Microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.

You can also bake the sandwiches in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes if you prefer a crispier English muffin.

A hand holds half of a breakfast sandwich filled with egg, bacon, and melted cheese on an English muffin.

Bacon and Sausage Breakfast Sandwiches

Author Kristie Sawicki

Ingredients

6 English muffins cut in half
6 large eggs
3 slices of bacon cut in half
3 sausage patties
6 slices of cheese I used Gouda
Salt and pepper to taste
Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions

Cook the Bacon and Sausage:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the sausage patties until fully cooked. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside.

Cook the Eggs:

Heat a small non-stick pan or a pan with 4 egg rings over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or cooking spray.
Crack an egg into each circle. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook until the whites are set and the yolk is cooked to your preference, about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, flip the eggs and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remove from the pan and let cool slightly.

Assemble the Sandwiches:

Place the bottom half of each English muffin on a clean surface.
Place a slice of cheese on each muffin half.
For 3 sandwiches, top with a cooked egg and two halves of bacon.
For the other 3 sandwiches, top with a cooked egg and a sausage patty.
Cover with the top half of the English muffin.

Wrap and Freeze:

Wrap each assembled sandwich in parchment paper.
Place the wrapped sandwiches in a large Ziploc bag or airtight container.
Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheat and Enjoy:

To reheat, unwrap the sandwich from the parchment paper and wrap it in a paper towel.
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.

Notes

For a healthier option, use whole wheat English muffins and turkey bacon or turkey sausage.
You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the eggs for added nutrition.

Now that they’ve made the recipe, what else do they need to know?

Helpful Tips &Variations

Toast the English muffins before assembling for extra texture after reheating.
Let all of the ingredients cool before wrapping to reduce moisture and prevent soggy sandwiches.
Swap Gouda for cheddar, pepper jack, Swiss, provolone, or American cheese.
Add spinach, sautéed peppers, onions, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use turkey bacon, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Make all bacon or all sausage if your family has a favorite.
Add a slice of tomato after reheating for an extra fresh flavor.
Label your freezer bag with the date so you know when you made them.

Storage

These breakfast sandwiches are perfect for meal prep because they freeze beautifully.

Refrigerator

If you plan to eat them within a few days, store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper before placing them in a freezer safe bag or airtight container.

They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

For the quickest breakfast, microwave the sandwich for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through.

If you have a little more time, warming the sandwich in a 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes gives the English muffin a crispier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze breakfast sandwiches?

Yes! These sandwiches are made specifically for freezing and reheating later. They’re one of the easiest breakfast meal prep recipes you can make.

Should I toast the English muffins first?

You can, but you don’t have to. Toasting adds a little extra texture after reheating, but they taste great either way.

Can I use scrambled eggs instead?

Absolutely. Scrambled eggs work just as well and are often a little easier to assemble.

What’s the best cheese for breakfast sandwiches?

Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, American, Pepper Jack, and Colby Jack all melt beautifully and work well in this recipe.

Can I make these healthier?

Yes! Use whole wheat English muffins, turkey bacon or turkey sausage, reduced fat cheese, and add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

How long do homemade breakfast sandwiches last in the freezer?

When wrapped well and stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep for up to three months.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes

If you’re looking for more easy breakfast ideas, be sure to check out these reader favorites:

Now That You’ve Made This Recipe

One of the best things about these freezer breakfast sandwiches is how much stress they take out of busy mornings.

Spending just a little time meal prepping now means you’ll have a hot, filling breakfast waiting for you whenever you need it.

If you make these, I’d love to hear which version was your favorite.

Are you on Team Bacon or Team Sausage?

Leave a comment below and let me know, and if you added your own twist, I’d love to hear about that too!

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Walmart Plus Membership 50% Off (Just $1 for 30 Days)

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Walmart+ Membership

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Walmart+ list of benefits from the membership.

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FREE $5 Groupon Credit (No Purchase Required!)

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