🇫🇷 France · Drinks
Citronnade Maison: Homemade French Lemonade
By eatmundo · July 6, 2026
🇫🇷 FRCitronnade Maison is a refreshing, homemade French lemonade, perfectly balancing tartness and sweetness. This classic, non-alcoholic drink is a beloved quencher on warm days, offering a bright and zesty burst of fresh lemon flavor, often infused with a hint of fresh mint.
Ingredients
check them off as you prepareHow to Make It
- 1
First, prepare a simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 150g of granulated sugar with 150ml of water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; this prevents the lemonade from becoming cloudy.
- 2
While the syrup cools, zest one of the medium lemons finely directly into a large pitcher or serving carafe. This adds a wonderful aromatic depth. Then, juice all five lemons, aiming for approximately 200-250ml of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds or large pulp.
- 3
Once the simple syrup has cooled, pour it into the pitcher with the lemon zest. Add the freshly squeezed and strained lemon juice. Stir these concentrated ingredients together thoroughly to ensure they are well combined.
- 4
Gradually add 1 liter of cold water to the pitcher, stirring as you go. You can adjust the amount of water to your personal preference, adding more for a lighter taste or less for a more intense lemon flavor.
- 5
Taste the citronnade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as desired. If you prefer it sweeter, add more simple syrup (you might want to make extra in step 1). If it's too sweet, a splash more lemon juice or water will balance it.
- 6
Add a few sprigs of fresh mint to the pitcher (optional, but highly recommended for an added layer of freshness). Gently bruise the mint leaves by lightly pressing them against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to release their oils. Chill the citronnade in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- 7
To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in the chilled citronnade, and garnish each glass with a fresh lemon slice and an extra sprig of mint. Enjoy this wonderfully refreshing homemade French lemonade!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of lemons are best for a classic French lemonade?+
For the authentic tartness of Citronnade Maison, opt for standard Eureka or Lisbon lemons. Meyer lemons are sweeter and will yield a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to make a simple syrup, or can I just add granulated sugar directly to the lemon juice?+
Yes, making a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in hot water is crucial. It ensures the sugar fully integrates and prevents a gritty texture, creating a perfectly smooth and sweetened lemonade.
How should I incorporate the fresh mint to get the best flavor without it becoming bitter?+
Gently muddle the mint leaves with the simple syrup or lemon juice, or add them right before serving. Over-muddling or prolonged steeping can release bitter notes.
What is the best way to dilute the concentrate, and how much water should I use?+
Use cold, filtered water to dilute the lemon and sugar concentrate. Start with a 1:1 ratio of concentrate to water and adjust to your personal preference for sweetness and tartness.
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