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    Home » Drinks » My Mom's Meyer Lemonade Recipe

    My Mom's Meyer Lemonade Recipe

    Feb 28, 2021 · by Valentina · 51 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    My Mom's Meyer Lemonade is easy-to-make, full of flavor and has the perfect balance of ingredients. It's refreshing, sweet, tangy and oh-so-delicious.

    Blue-rimmed glass with lemonade.

    I always absolutely loved seeing my mom in her gorgeous kitchen, working on a project with the antique cooking tools she'd collected over the years.

    My dad would bring in a couple dozen lemons at a time from their Meyer lemon tree in the backyard, and my mom would immediately get to work on her lemonade.

    She started making her Meyer lemonade when their backyard tree began producing lemons. My mom never let a single lemon go to waste, and her recipe was and still is the best!

    Metal colander filled with lemons and their leaves.

    What's in my mom's lemonade recipe?

    • water
    • granulated sugar
    • fresh Meyer lemon juice
    • dash of salt

    The ingredients are more or less expected -- it's how my mom made it that's unique.

    How to Make it

    1. Heat the sugar and water together.
    2. Add the lemon juice and salt, and stir.
    3. Cool and refrigerate.

    (More detailed instructions are below.)

    Of course, there's a whole lotta love it this recipe, too.

    Several lemons on paper towels and a lemon being juiced with old-fashioned juice.

    Whenever I walked into my mom's kitchen when she busy cutting and juicing lemons, I was always struck by the beautiful work space she'd unintentionally created.

    My mom was so organized in the kitchen. That's how I like to work too -- there's a better flow when everything is in its place.

    My Mom’s Meyer Lemonade Recipe in a Mason jar with a few lemons next to it on wooden table

    What to do With and Abundance of Lemons

    In my mom's kitchen, when they weren't in the lemonade, they'd get . . .

    • squeezed on fish
    • whipped into a dessert
    • or added to her tea

    She also loved to make scrumptious lemon bars and lemon-basil salad dressing.

    Valentina's parents' beautiful house

    This huge Jacaranda tree has stood in my parents' yard since before I was born. 

    It's always been as strong and as beautiful as ever and "rains" its pretty purple flowers in May and June.

    Valentina with her mom and brother when they were little

    This is one of my all time favorite photographs my dad took in the 70's -- me, my mom, and brother, under the Jacaranda tree.

    Four deep yellow lemons with Jacaranda flowers on wooden surface.

    The common thread between the Jacaranda flowers and the lemonade are that both will forever make me think of my mom and dad and their gorgeous gardens.

    More of my Recipes With Meyer Lemons

    • Meyer Lemon Crinkle Cookies
    • Lemon Blueberry Cookies
    • Meyer Lemon Basil Pizza
    • Meyer Lemon Olive Oil Cake
    • Fried Meyer Lemon Caesar Salad
    • Meyer Lemon Thyme Spaghetti
    • Whipped Meyer Lemon Vanilla Butter
    • Meyer Lemon Vanilla Hot Milk Cake

    My mom's Meyer lemonade recipe is quick, easy, delicious and the perfect summertime (or anytime) drink!

    My Mom's Meyer Lemonade

    My Mom's Meyer Lemonade Recipe

    Valentina K. Wein
    During citrus season, recipes with Meyer lemons are divine, and my mom's lemonade recipe is no exception. This easy-to-make Meyer lemonade recipe is fresh, refreshing, sweet, tangy and oh-so-delicious.
    4.73 from 11 votes
    Print
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 123 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 cups water
    • 2 cups Meyer lemon juice
    • dash of salt

    Instructions
     

    • In a small saucepan, heat the sugar with the water until it's dissolved. Remove from the stove and pour it into a large pitcher.
    • Add the lemon juice and a bit of salt. Stir to blend.
    • Once the lemonade has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator.
    • Serve chilled over ice.

    NOTES

    Meyer lemons are thought to be a cross between a standard lemon and an orange. They have smoother, thinner skin, a wonderful tangy aroma and are also sweeter and less acidic than most other lemons.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 123kcal
    Keywords summer drinks
    Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

    Cooking On The Weekends is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Beth Fulton

      July 15, 2011 at 3:37 pm

      What a beautiful post...........

      Reply
    2. Heidi @ Food Doodles

      July 15, 2011 at 5:12 pm

      That looks beautiful. I love the color of it! I've never used meyer lemons but they look so good. We have the exact same tool to juice lemons. I had never seen one like that before but I love it now 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 17, 2011 at 10:43 pm

        Heidi, I love that you have the same juicer. My mom has collected things like that her whole life -- she's not sure when this one entered her life, but she uses all the time! Thanks for the comment and I hope you'll try a Meyer lemon! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Denise

      July 17, 2011 at 3:05 am

      I have fond memories of my Mom making lemonade and putting it in a large pitcher and then slicing up an orange and putting that into the lemonade. It was so pretty and really quinched my thirst.

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 17, 2011 at 10:44 pm

        Orange slices in the lemonade -- I love it! Must look beautiful in a glass pitcher!

        Reply
    4. Roberta

      July 17, 2011 at 12:48 am

      5 stars
      I don't know what I love the most about this Friday's post -- the story, the photos, or the yummy summertime recipe.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 03, 2017 at 5:15 pm

        Thank you Ro! XOXO

        Reply
    5. Aimee

      July 19, 2011 at 4:55 am

      This post made me teary - in a good way. 🙂 xo

      Reply
    6. John K

      July 20, 2011 at 12:55 am

      Yum! And thanks for that great picture. I think I remember it. That tree is older than Mom and Dad, too! I love how you consider food goodness and presentation to go together. The flowers look great with the lemons.

      Reply
    7. Tamara Walker

      August 21, 2011 at 4:34 pm

      This is now my favorite recipe too for the love of MAMA!

      Reply
    8. yvonne w

      November 14, 2014 at 8:56 pm

      wow! I love the recipe, thanks for sharing. On another note....you look like my twin in the pic you posted there with your mom and brother.

      Reply
    9. Cathy A

      August 05, 2017 at 9:30 am

      What sweet and delicious memories.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 07, 2017 at 9:56 am

        Thank you so much, Cathy! xoxo

        Reply
    10. David

      May 11, 2018 at 9:39 pm

      Oh, I remember my first Mother’s Day after my mother died - it will be 30 years this July. You are in my heart, Valentina.

      Thanks for sharing her Meyer lemonade recipe, and your others!

      Reply
    11. Helene Goldnadel

      August 01, 2018 at 4:05 am

      Loved this... It is truly an amazing magical power that lemon juice is packed with.

      Reply
      • valentina

        August 01, 2018 at 4:28 pm

        Thank you so much Helene! I'm so happy you liked my mom's recipe, and I completely agree about "magical powers!" 🙂

        Reply
    12. Reba

      December 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm

      5 stars
      A friend of mine brought by a huge bag of lemons the other day and I just finished juicing them. I froze two 4-cup bags, but had a little left over so decided to look for a lemonade recipe. Your post was so wonderful to read and the recipe is delicious. And the funny part was, my “leftover” amount of lemons.....exactly two cups. 🙂 Have a Merry Christmas!

      Reply
      • valentina

        December 16, 2018 at 8:34 am

        Reba, you made my day. My favorite posts/recipes are those relating to my mom. SO great you had exactly the right amount of juice.I love that! Happy holiday season to you and thank you! 🙂

        Reply
    13. Judy

      January 25, 2019 at 7:00 pm

      Now I am thirsty.

      Reply
    14. Alan Morrison

      April 04, 2019 at 8:26 am

      I used the recipe on the Meyer lemon bag, but added the juice of one well-ripened lime to the juice of eight Meyer lemons to give it a little different taste. I threw in a few thin-sliced lime rind mostly for color and visual appeal. It proved a nice combination.

      Reply
      • valentina

        April 04, 2019 at 8:52 am

        Sounds lovely, Alan! 🙂

        Reply
    15. Christina Conte

      July 14, 2019 at 10:27 pm

      5 stars
      Somehow I missed this post, but how beautiful it is. You must miss your mom immensely, Valentina, but those little things like Meyer lemons and Jacaranda trees keep you connected to her.

      I'm sure the pinch of salt in the lemonade adds more flavor to it, must try! Thank you for sharing your mom's recipe. <3

      Reply
      • valentina

        July 15, 2019 at 10:52 pm

        Awww, thank you so much, Christina! I do miss her and yes, there are so many little things every day that keep the connection strong. 🙂

        Reply
    16. Brenda

      November 04, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      I love your sweet, sweet story about your mom. 💕

      Reply
      • valentina

        November 04, 2019 at 3:56 pm

        Thank you so much, Brenda. I so appreciate you taking the time to write me this note. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    17. Paul

      January 04, 2020 at 10:08 am

      3 stars
      Is the sugar ratio right? Tried it and it seems like there should be more sugar.

      Reply
      • valentina

        January 05, 2020 at 1:17 pm

        Hi Paul, The correct sugar measurement is listed -- but, please feel free to add more or less based on your taste. Hope you like it and happy new year. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    18. 2pots2cook

      March 02, 2021 at 2:23 am

      5 stars
      So heart warming post Valentina... Thank you so much 🙂 🙂 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 02, 2021 at 10:41 pm

        Thank you, Davorka! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    19. Roz | La BellaVita Cucina

      March 02, 2021 at 3:13 am

      5 stars
      What a lovely post about your mother. The lemonade is perfect right now when citrus is so fresh -- not just for summer. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post.

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 02, 2021 at 10:40 pm

        Hi Roz. Thank you so very much for this lovely note. Hope you make a big pitcher of it and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    20. John / Kitchen Riffs

      March 03, 2021 at 7:43 am

      That photo of you, your brother, and your mom is terrific. Wonderful light! And this is wonderful lemonade. When we live din Florida we had a Meyer lemon tree in our yard. I SO miss that!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 04, 2021 at 4:24 pm

        So appreciate the kind words, John. Wish I could send you some lemons. Thanks and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    21. Colette

      March 03, 2021 at 2:04 pm

      I love, love LOVE Meyer lemons!
      Our tree is still too young to bear enough fruit, but my friend gave us some from her lovely tree and Daisy just loves lemonade.
      I like your mom's recipe - the dash of salt is brilliant!

      What a beautiful post. Thanks for sharing these lovely moments captured in pics. xo

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 04, 2021 at 4:16 pm

        Thanks so much, Colette! Love that Daisy loves lemonade -- bet she'd like to make it too. From your pics, I gather the entire family loves to cook as much as you. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    22. David @ Spiced

      March 04, 2021 at 4:23 am

      5 stars
      What a fun post with the family photos! I'm not gonna lie - I'm always a bit jealous whenever you mention the Meyer lemon tree in the backyard. We are lucky to even find Meyer lemons at the store here - and when we do, they are insanely expensive! However, this lemonade is calling my name, so you better believe I'll be watching for Meyer lemons at the store now!

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 04, 2021 at 4:26 pm

        Hope you come across them, David. Other lemons will be good, too. I know you have plenty of other delicious things growing in your yard. Thanks for visiting. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    23. Kim Lange

      March 04, 2021 at 4:40 am

      5 stars
      Awe so sweet! We had Granny Smith apple trees and Bartlett Pear trees in our back yard and I can totally relate to your affection of your Meyer Lemon tree and the Jacaranda growing up with family and the fun memories. Pinning! xo

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 04, 2021 at 4:27 pm

        Aww, thank you for the kind words, Kim. Apple and pears would be so awesome to have in the yard. Luck you. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    24. Dawn - Girl Heart Food

      March 04, 2021 at 8:06 am

      5 stars
      Such a lovely post! And sweet photo! Those are the best recipes! I love lemon so I'm all over this and wish I had a glass right now. So lucky with the lemon tree, too! Wish we could grow those around here. I'd be making this lemonade all the time 🙂

      Reply
      • valentina

        March 04, 2021 at 4:29 pm

        Thanks so much, for the kind words, Dawn. Hope you enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    25. Nicole

      December 21, 2021 at 4:04 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight and it’s fantastic!

      Reply
      • valentina

        December 21, 2021 at 11:24 pm

        Hi Nicole, thanks so much for writing in. I'm so happy you liked this lemonade recipe. All of the green lemons on my little lemon tree are in the process of turning yellow, so I'll be making a lot of it soon. 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
    26. Conni Naylor

      January 22, 2023 at 3:44 pm

      4 stars
      Recipe was easy to make. I don't like overly sweet lemonade but this one was just a little too tart for me. Next time I will add a few more tablespoons of sugar.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        January 24, 2023 at 5:51 pm

        Hi Conni, Thanks so much. And yes, you should definitely add more or less sugar to your taste. Enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina

        Reply
      • Joyce Nowlin

        August 06, 2023 at 11:51 am

        Visiting family in Camarillo, Ca and she has a tree with Meyers Lemons! Day 2 being here and I can say for the first time I have picked my own lemons and hand squeezed them (she didn’t have a squeezer that worked for these size lemons). Have added a little more sugar and water so our 3 year old grandtwins might drink it!!
        Chilling in fridge now! But the sample taste test was perfect!

        Reply
        • Valentina

          August 06, 2023 at 4:36 pm

          Hi Joyce, Thanks so much fro writing in. I'm so happy you love the lemonade, and it's even better when you pick and juice your own lemons. How fun! I was just in Camarillo last week -- I have family there, too. 🙂 ~Valentina

          Reply
    27. sherry

      January 30, 2024 at 12:44 am

      i love that photo of you as children with your mum. So sweet. This recipe is kind of like the citrus cordial i make. I make a sugar syrup - one cup sugar to one cup water; simmer for a few minutes and let it cool. then add some to a glass with cold or sparkling water. so refreshing!
      https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/

      Reply
      • Valentina

        January 31, 2024 at 1:11 pm

        Hi Sherry, Thank you so much. It's one of my favorites. 🙂 Enjoy! ~Valentina

        Reply
    28. Jeff the Chef @ Make It Like a Man!

      June 02, 2025 at 5:48 am

      What a beautiful remembrance of your mom! I can't imagine how cool it'd be to go out into your backyard and pick a lemon! I've never added salt to my lemonade before, but it makes sense. I'll have to try that.

      Reply
      • Valentina

        June 02, 2025 at 3:27 pm

        Thanks so much, Jeff. Hope you enjoy! I find a touch of salt always makes sense. 😉 ~Valentina

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Valentina, certified chef, owner, recipe developer and photographer at Cooking on the Weekends. I'm also a mom of two boys and a Los Angeleno. I use seasonal whole foods to create unique and comforting recipes for casual entertaining.

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