Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chick-fil-A Lemonade is known for its perfectly balanced sweet and tart flavor, made simply with real lemon juice, sugar, and water. This refreshing homemade version is just as bright and zesty, perfect for summer days, parties, or a fresh-squeezed pick-me-up any time of year.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

fresh lemons (about 6–8 for juicing)
granulated sugar
cold water
optional: lemon slices or ice for serving

directions

Juice the lemons until you have about 1½ cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds and pulp if desired.

In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Add cold water and stir to mix well. Taste and adjust with more sugar or water if needed.

Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Serve over ice with lemon slices if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 6 servings (1½ quarts).
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Use sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
Add a splash of strawberry puree for a fruity variation.
Sweeten with honey or agave for a natural alternative.
Mix in a pinch of sea salt for a homemade sports drink.
Freeze into popsicles for a cool summer treat.

storage/reheating

Store lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Stir before serving, as separation may occur.
Not suitable for freezing due to texture change upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.

What type of lemons should I use?
Regular yellow lemons (Eureka or Lisbon) work great—Meyer lemons will be sweeter.

Is this as sweet as Chick-fil-A’s?
Yes, but you can adjust the sugar to match your taste.

Can I make a sugar-free version?
Yes, use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit to taste.

How do I make it more tart?
Reduce the sugar slightly or add extra lemon juice.

Conclusion

Chick-fil-A Lemonade is an easy, refreshing drink you can whip up at home with just a few ingredients. Whether you’re craving that signature sweet-tart flavor or want to impress guests with a classic homemade beverage, this recipe delivers every time.

Chick-fil-A Lemonade

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Author: KimEasy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings (about 6 cups)
Category: Desserts
Method: No Bake/No Cook
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade Chick-fil-A Lemonade is the perfect balance of sweet and tart—just like the one you love from the restaurant! Made with fresh-squeezed lemons, water, and sugar, it’s crisp, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make. Serve over ice for a taste of summer any time of year!

Ingredients

Juice the lemons:
Roll lemons on the counter to loosen the juice. Cut and juice them until you have 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain out seeds and excess pulp if desired.
Dissolve the sugar:
In a large pitcher, whisk the sugar into the lemon juice until fully dissolved.
Add water:
Stir in the cold water. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed by adding more sugar or lemon juice.
Chill and serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lemon slices if desired.

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Instructions

For a diet version, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit.
Use Meyer lemons for a naturally sweeter flavor.

Want the Frosted Lemonade? Blend this lemonade with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Notes

For a diet version, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit.
Use Meyer lemons for a naturally sweeter flavor.
Want the Frosted Lemonade? Blend this lemonade with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!