There’s nothing more refreshing than a glass of homemade lemonade. With this freezer-friendly recipe, you can enjoy fresh, tangy lemonade anytime—whether on a hot summer day or as a special treat during Ramadan iftar. This method allows you to store the concentrate for months, making it an easy and convenient way to enjoy homemade lemonade year-round.
This recipe is part of my Freezer-Friendly Series, where I’ve shared delicious Turkish dishes like two styles of Turkish meatballs, juicy homemade chicken döner, and marinated chicken skewers—all of which are perfect for stocking your freezer with ready-to-enjoy meals. Now, let’s add this homemade lemonade concentrate to the list!
Why Make Lemonade Concentrate?
Making a lemonade concentrate means you can preserve the flavors of fresh lemons when they are in season and at their best quality. Plus, it saves time! Instead of squeezing lemons every time you crave lemonade, just mix a cube or portion of this concentrate with water, and your drink is ready in seconds.
This method is:
Convenient – Store it in small portions for individual servings or large batches for family gatherings.
Long-Lasting – Keeps well in the freezer for several months.
Budget-Friendly – Take advantage of seasonal lemons when they are abundant and affordable.
Customizable – Adjust the sweetness to your liking or even swap sugar for honey.
Ingredients for Lemonade Concentrate
- 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) fresh lemons
- 3 oranges (for extra color and flavor)
- 3 cups sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 3-4 cups warm water (for extracting extra juice)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Citrus Peels
- Wash the lemons and oranges thoroughly.
- Using a potato peeler or zester, peel the yellow part of the lemons and the outer layer of the oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Place the peels in a bowl and mix them with 1 cup of sugar. Let them sit while you prepare the fruit—this helps release their essential oils and intensifies the flavor.
Remove the White Pith
- Cut off the remaining white pith from the lemons and oranges, as it can make the lemonade bitter.
- Roughly chop the lemons and oranges, discarding any seeds.
Blend the Mixture
- In a food processor or blender, first process the citrus peels with some of the chopped fruit.
- Gradually add the remaining fruit and blend until smooth.
- Add 2 more cups of sugar and blend again.
Strain the Mixture
- Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl.
- Press down with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
- Don’t discard the leftover pulp! Add warm water, mix, and strain again to extract even more concentrated juice.
Store for Freezing
- Pour the concentrated lemonade into ice cube trays, silicone molds, or small freezer-safe containers.
- Freeze overnight until solid.
- Transfer the frozen cubes into a sealed bag or airtight container for easy storage.
How to Use Your Lemonade Concentrate
To make a refreshing glass of lemonade:
- Drop one or two frozen lemonade cubes into a glass.
- Add cold water, ice cubes, and mix.
- For a fizzy twist, use sparkling water instead!
For a full pitcher:
- Use several cubes or a frozen block of concentrate.
- Add cold water (adjusting to taste).
- Stir well and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Homemade Lemonade
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the sugar or replace it with honey.
- Also you can add fresh mint or basil for a unique twist.
- Use frozen berries instead of ice cubes for extra flavor.
- Serve with slices of lemon, lime, or orange for a beautiful presentation.
Final Thoughts
This homemade lemonade concentrate is a must-have freezer staple. Whether you want a quick, refreshing drink or a large batch for entertaining, this method makes it effortless. Since lemons are in season, now is the perfect time to make and store this delicious concentrate!
I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the refreshing taste of homemade lemonade all year round. If you liked this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment, give a thumbs-up, and share with friends!
Also check this Ottoman drink sherbet for another home made refreshing drink recipe: Turkish / Ottoman Sherbet Recipe
Stay tuned for more recipes from my Freezer-Friendly Series, including traditional Turkish dishes like mantı, sarma, and special Ramadan iftar meals. See you next time!
Enjoy your homemade lemonade! 
