Homemade Agave Lemonade

By
Jen Hoy
Jen Hoy
Jenny Hoy is an author, chef, and holistic nutritionist, with more than two decades of experience in the fields of food and healing.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 05/12/21
Tested by
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Tested by Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Homemade Agave Lemonade

The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 10 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 2 quarts

Agave lemonade is a special treat for warm weather and it's very easy to make. This is the perfect drink for summer entertaining. It can also be stored in the refrigerator so your family can enjoy it whenever they need a refreshing drink.

Rather than the sugar that is typically used to sweeten homemade lemonade, this recipe uses agave nectar. It's a nice change because the sweetener gives the drink a richer profile that is lovely against the bright citrus. The ginger and mint also bring in interesting flavors and make this recipe stand out from most.

"This lemonade was delicious. It wasn't overly sweet, but it was perfect for me. You can always add more agave (I used raw agave, which is a little darker than some) if you like a sweeter lemonade." —Diana Rattray

Homemade Agave Lemonade Tester Image
A Note From Our Recipe Tester

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 18 small lemons)

  • 6 cups water

  • 3/4 cup agave nectar, or to taste

  • 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger, optional

  • 6 large fresh mint leaves

  • 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Homemade Agave Lemonade ingredients

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  2. Stir together the lemon juice, water, and agave nectar.

    Stir together the lemon juice, water, and agave nectar

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  3. Stir in the grated ginger, if using, and chill thoroughly.

    add grated ginger to the mixture in the pitcher

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

  4. Serve with mint leaves and very thinly sliced lemon.

    Homemade Agave Lemonade in a pitcher

    The Spruce / Stephanie Goldfinger

Tips

  • Like any lemonade, there are many ways that you can customize this recipe. From sparkling to extra fruity, even mixed into ​an Arnold Palmer, the possibilities are endless.
  • To avoid diluting homemade lemonade, add ice cubes just before serving.

Recipe Variations

  • It's easy to transform this recipe into a sparkling lemonade. All you have to do is use sparkling water instead of the still water. Keep the same measurement and serve the drinks with lemon twists, just be sure to drink it right away before it loses the carbonation. 
  • For a fun twist, add a few tablespoons of elderflower syrup. The floral flavor is a nice foundation for a simple vodka cocktail. Another option is to skip the ginger and sweeten it with grenadine or a raspberry syrup. With this mix, you can turn it into a cocktail with a shot of your favorite rum.
  • There's no need to restrict yourself to lemons in your lemonade. You can give it a new, tangy flavor by substituting 1/2 cup of the lemon juice with lime or another citrus. Serve this with a fresh sprig of mint and a garnish of seasonal berries.
  • You might also enjoy equal parts of lime juice and tangerine juice. Garnish this with mint, blackberries, and raspberries. The sparkling version is great for cocktails.
  • Create an interesting pink lemonade by using 1 cup red grapefruit juice and 1/2 cup lime juice instead of the lemon. Add enough raspberry or pomegranate juice to make the mix as pink as you like.

How much juice can you get from a lemon?

The amount of juice you can get from one lemon can vary greatly depending on the fruit's size and the variety, as well as the way you juice them. In general, if juicing medium to large lemons, you should get between 2 and 3 tablespoons per lemon.

To get the most juice from lemons, microwave the whole lemons for about 10 to 20 seconds to soften them a bit. It also helps to roll lemons on the counter while firmly pressing down with your hand. 

What are the different kinds of agave nectar?

There are several types of agave with different flavor profiles and appearance.

  • Light: Neutral flavor that won't alter other flavors.
  • Amber: Mild caramel flavor which will flavor foods slightly.
  • Dark: Stronger caramel notes and good for stronger flavored foods and desserts.
  • Raw: Produced at temperatures under 118 F. Mild, subtle flavor.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
148 Calories
1g Fat
40g Carbs
2g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 148
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 1%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 14mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 14%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 26g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 100mg 499%
Calcium 48mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%
Potassium 286mg 6%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)