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.
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!
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
- Heat the sugar and water together.
- Add the lemon juice and salt, and stir.
- Cool and refrigerate.
(More detailed instructions are below.)
Of course, there's a whole lotta love it this recipe, too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Recipe
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
NUTRITION
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John / Kitchen Riffs
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!
valentina
So appreciate the kind words, John. Wish I could send you some lemons. Thanks and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina
Roz | La BellaVita Cucina
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.
valentina
Hi Roz. Thank you so very much for this lovely note. Hope you make a big pitcher of it and enjoy! 🙂 ~Valentina
2pots2cook
So heart warming post Valentina... Thank you so much 🙂 🙂 🙂
valentina
Thank you, Davorka! 🙂 ~Valentina
Paul
Is the sugar ratio right? Tried it and it seems like there should be more sugar.
valentina
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
Brenda
I love your sweet, sweet story about your mom. 💕
valentina
Thank you so much, Brenda. I so appreciate you taking the time to write me this note. 🙂 ~Valentina
Christina Conte
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
valentina
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. 🙂
Alan Morrison
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.
valentina
Sounds lovely, Alan! 🙂
Judy
Now I am thirsty.
Reba
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!
valentina
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! 🙂
Helene Goldnadel
Loved this... It is truly an amazing magical power that lemon juice is packed with.
valentina
Thank you so much Helene! I'm so happy you liked my mom's recipe, and I completely agree about "magical powers!" 🙂