Enjoying a large cup of State Fair Lemonade has never been easier (or cheaper)! Make a glass of this classic fair drink right at home with only 3 simple ingredients!
Why I Love This State Fair Lemonade
- Single serve! This recipe gives you the perfect (large) single glass of lemonade just like my single-serve lemonade but is slightly elevated using a special technique!
- Get the look for less: Serve your lemonade in these plastic containers to get the look of the classic fair-style lemonade for less than $1 a cup!
- Adjust to your liking! Easily adjust the sweetness level of this lemonade to your taste preferences.
Ingredient Notes
- Lemons: Sunkist brand lemons are the best but any fresh lemons will work. I do not recommend using bottled lemon juice as it is just not the same!
- Granulated Sugar: I use granulated white sugar for this recipe but you can substitute for your preferred sweetener of your choice. You can use simple syrup, maple syrup, agave, etc. You will need to adjust the amounts based on how tart your lemons are & how sweet you like your lemonade.
- Water: You will be using a mix of hot and cold water. The hot water can come straight from the faucet.
How to Make State Fair Lemonade
Step 1: Wash and cut lemons
- Wash lemons (2 large).
- Cut each lemon in half, then cut each half into 4 pieces (8 slices each).
Step 2: Muddle lemons with sugar
- In a large cup or plastic container, add lemon slices and granulated sugar (3 tablespoons).
- Use a muddler, metal measuring cup, or tool to push/squeeze the lemon juice out of the slices. Muddle the lemon juice with sugar.
- Add hot water (¼ cup) to the sugar mixture and mix together until dissolved.
Step 3: Shake and serve
Once the sugar has fully dissolved, add the cold water (1 cup) and ice. Shake (or stir) until combined. For a sweeter drink, add more sugar. For lemons that are more tart, you may need to add a little more sugar to your preference.
Tip: When ready to enjoy, use a sharp knife to cut an "X" in the top of the plastic container lid to slip in a straw.
Tips & Variations
- Let chill in the fridge: The flavors get even better if you let it sit in the fridge for several hours, as the lemon peel infuses the lemonade. Just wait to add the ice until you're ready to serve.
- Skip the container: I love the look of serving this homemade lemonade recipe in these plastic containers like at state fairs. However, I PROMISE this lemonade will taste just as delicious in a regular quart-sized mason jar or large glass! No extra purchase necessary!
- Make a larger batch: Double or triple this recipe to make a larger batch and serve it in a pitcher.
- More flavors: Make a strawberry version of this State Fair Lemonade by muddling 5 fresh strawberries with your lemons like in my easy strawberry lemonade recipe.
Storage & Freezing
- Storage: Store in the fridge for 2-3 days in a plastic container or serving pitcher covered in plastic wrap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Muddling the lemons gives this lemonade the classic state fair taste because it squeezes fresh juice AND lemon zest from the lemons, infusing the drink with extra flavor and lemon taste!
The peel and pith (the white part) are typically the most bitter parts of a lemon. Try to use lemons that don't have an excess amount of white pith or you can peel the flesh from the lemon peels if needed.
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State Fair Lemonade
Ingredients
⭐️ Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor afterwards and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
- Wash 2 large lemons. Cut each lemon in half, then cut each half into 4 pieces (8 slices each).
- In a large cup or plastic container, add lemon slices and 3 tablespoons granulated sugar.
- Use a metal measuring cup, muddler, or tool to squeeze the lemon juice out of the slices and mix with the sugar.
- Add the ¼ cup hot water and mix together until dissolved.
- Add in 1 cup cold water and ice and shake until combined. For a sweeter drink, add more sugar. For lemons that are more tart, you may need to add a little more sugar.
Notes from Melissa
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This was so good! And my lemons were a little soft, so excited to try it with better lemons. I like that this makes one serving, so don't need to make a whole pitcher. I will be making this all summer!
Just like the state fair
Thank you so much for leaving a review, Vincent!
Hi im 13 and my sisters and i wanted to start a lemonade stand, thanks for sharing!
If I wanted to make a batch and serve the next day, would I leave the lemon rinds in the lemonade, or would it make it too tart?
Hi, Maddie! You can leave the rinds in the lemonade and serve the next day! I hope you love it!
Simple recipe and I can’t wait to try it Thanks for sharing