Need a refreshing drink for one? This single serving 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. Add fruit or herbs for a flavored lemonade too.
Table of contents
How will this homemade lemonade make your life easier?
When it's hot outside, plain water doesn't always cut it. That's where this refreshing 5 minute single serving 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.
Other good refreshing drink recipes:
- Starbucks Copycat Passion Tea Lemonade
- Sparkling Apple Mocktail
- Tart Cherry Juice Spritzer
- Smashed Cranberry Mocktail
- Raspberry, Mint, Lime Spritzer
- Pomegranate and Lime Spritzer
What makes this fresh squeezed lemonade so good?
- 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 serving lemonade without that chemical-y flavor.
- Ice: The cold water might not be enough, a handful of ice will help cool down your drink.
How do I make this lemonade recipe?
Start making your single serving 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.
Once most/all of sugar is dissolved, add cold water and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Stir.
Top with as much ice as you'd like in your single serving lemonade. Enjoy immediately.
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.
What can I make with leftover ingredients?
Did you make this single serving lemonade? Leave me a comment & rating to share how it turned out!
Single Serving 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.
Video
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!