Need a refreshing drink for one? This single serve lemonade can be made in about 5 minutes, and in the glass you'll drink it out of. It's made with fresh lemons, water, sugar, and ice cubes.
[This recipe was originally posted in March 2023. It has been updated with cooking instructions, storage tips and substitutions, FAQ, related recipes and ways to repurpose/use up ingredients]
Table of contents
When it's hot outside, plain water doesn't always cut it. That's where this refreshing 5 minute single serve lemonade recipe comes in. It's quick, easy, and perfectly tart.
Make it in the glass you'll drink it out of to save on dishes. It's a no brainer for sure.
Ingredients
Scroll down to the single serve lemonade recipe card for the amounts of each ingredient, but here's a quick visual + description of what's in this recipe.
- Hot Water: You need hot water to dissolve the sugar. Sometimes crunchy sugar is fine, but you'll want each sip to taste sweet and tart.
- Sugar: White table sugar is the easiest to dissolve, but use whatever sweetener you like in your single serving lemonade.
- Cold Water: Hot lemonade isn't so great, use cold water to make this drink refreshing. You can use sparkling water too.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is the way to go. You'll get all the sweet, tart citrusy flavor in your single serve lemonade without that chemical-y flavor.
- Ice: The cold water might not be enough, a handful of ice will help cool down your drink.
Instructions
Scroll down to the single serve lemonade recipe card for more detailed instructions. Here's a quick overview + photos to see how to make this recipe in general.
1. Start making your single serve lemonade by adding hot water and sugar to the glass you'll drink it out of. Stir until most/all of sugar is dissolved. This should just take about a minute or two.
Your glass does have to be at least 12 ounces to give enough space to mix it all together, and to add ice. A lid is also nice, then you can shake your drink. It's not necessary though.
2. Once most/all of sugar is dissolved, add cold water and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Stir.
3. Top with as much ice as you'd like in your single serve lemonade. Enjoy immediately.
Storage Tips
Store leftover single serve lemonade (or make extra servings) in a jar or pitcher with a lid to prevent spills. It should last about a week.
You could also mix up the hot water, sugar, and lemon juice and pour into an ice cube tray, then add the lemonade concentrate ice cubes to water.
Substitutions/Tips
- White table sugar dissolves the most easily, but use whatever sweetener you like in this single serving lemonade.
- Instead of adding hot water, you can mix all ingredients together and refrigerate for about 20-30 minutes to dissolve the sugar. If you can wait, this is an option.
- Substitute the cold water for sparkling water
- Other great add-ins: Flavored syrups, muddled fruit, crushed herbs.
FAQ
Popcorn is great with lemonade. These Air Fryer Popcorn and Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn are great options.
If you don't want sugar granules in your lemonade, dissolve sugar in hot water first. Then add lemon juice and more water to dilute the drink. Add ice last. This is the way to make single serving lemonade.
Use 1-2 lemons for a single serving of lemonade. That's 3-4 Tablespoons or so of lemon juice.
What to do with leftover ingredients
When you're cooking for one, you often have leftover produce, cans of whatever ingredient, etc. Here are a couple ideas on how to use up the leftover ingredients. It'll help you save money by wasting fewer ingredients.
Did you make this single serving lemonade? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Single Serve Lemonade
Equipment
- 12 ounce Glass lid, optional
- Measuring cups, spoons
Ingredients
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar or to preference
- ½ cup cold water
- 3-4 Tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- ice
Instructions
- Add ¼ cup hot water and 2 Tablespoons sugar to glass. Stir together until most/all sugar is dissolved.
- Once most or all of the sugar is dissolved, add ½ cup cold water and 3-4 Tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust sugar and lemon juice to preference, it's ok if it's a bit strong, you'll add ice.
- Stir together, add ice, and enjoy immediately. Or store in fridge until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can dissolve sugar in tap or cold water in the fridge, for about 30 minutes. Stir.
- Substitute cold water for sparkling water, but you'll need to drink it immediately.
- Taste and adjust sugar, lemon, and salt. If it's too sweet, add more lemon juice. If it's too too tangy, add more sugar. If it doesn't have enough flavor, add more lemon juice, and an extra pinch of salt.
- Additional toppings: whole or muddled fruit, herbs, or flavored syrups.
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Beth says
Well, that's great! I love lemonade, but everyone else in my family inexplicably does not.
Jess says
This is perfect for making for myself while I am home working by myself!
Hailey says
Brilliant! My niece loves lemonade but no one else drinks it with her. This is perfect for her!
Rebecca says
it totally is!
Wanda says
I have extra lemon juice leftover from last night and now I know what to do with it! Can't wait to try this lemonade!
Amy says
This lemonade was so good! I love nothing better than a refreshing cup!!
Rebecca says
seriously!