These homemade 3-ingredient Lemonade Popsicles are the perfect refreshing treat for a hot day. Sweetened with honey, this recipe uses the whole lemon!
There's nothing better than homemade popsicles on a hot summer day. Cool, fresh, and light, these don't disappoint.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Great way to use the whole lemon
- Simple ingredients - no artificial flavors
- Perfect refreshing treat
- Easy recipe
Ingredients and substitutions
Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Lemon - One raw whole fresh lemon is all you need! We will use the whole thing and reap the nutritional benefits of Vitamin C, fiber, and flavonoids - no need to make fresh lemon juice or grate lemon zest.
Honey - This natural sweetener complements the tart flavors. Organic cane sugar can be used in its place, but I would start out with a ½ cup. No corn syrup here!
Water - Two cups of cold water to make up our lemonade mixture.
Step-by-step instructions
Before you start: Get out all the ingredients.
I first saw the method for making blender lemonade using the whole lemon on PureWow. With just a few simple steps, you'll have a delicious frozen treat in no time.
Step 1: In a high-powered blender, add lemon wedges, honey, and water. Blend until completely smooth. Taste/test for desired sweetness and add more if needed.
Step 2: Strain the popsicle mixture into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.
Step 3: Pour the liquid into a 10-cavity popsicle mold ¾ of the way full (not to the top of the mold).
Step 4: If using raspberries or other fruit, divide evenly. Add popsicle sticks and place in the freezer until solid.
Tips
Using whole fresh lemons results in a naturally more bitter flavor than when only using lemon juice. While every part has nutritional value, here are some tips to help achieve the perfect balance.
- If possible, choose organic lemons. Whether using organic or conventional, give them a good washing before use.
- Thinner-skinned lemons are best because they have less pith. You want a lemon with smooth, unblemished skin.
- Cut the nubby ends off and discard. These pointed little ends contain mostly pith, and will create a more bitter taste.
- Remove the seeds that you can see. This will also cut down on the bitterness.
- Add a pinch of salt. This will help reduce the bitter flavor and increase the sweetness.
Equipment
You'll just need a few things for this homemade popsicle recipe:
- High-speed blender
- Your favorite popsicle mold: silicone mold, paper cups, use what you got!
- Popsicle sticks
Variations
These tasty popsicles are easy to customize. Fresh ingredients are the easiest way to mix things up. Here are some ideas for an extra layer of flavor to your delicious creations!
- Add fresh berries for pops of flavor and texture
- Throw a ½ cup of fresh strawberries or raspberries into the blender with the other ingredients for a pink lemonade flavor
- Add herbs like mint or lavender.
This is also a great recipe for aiding a sore throat!
FAQs
Small yogurt containers, ice cube molds, or small paper or plastic cups all are great alternatives to ice pop molds.
To make these vegan, swap out the honey for agave nectar or organic cane sugar. Maple syrup will work too but will add its own unique flavor.
These frozen treats are best when eaten within 1-2 months. To prevent freezer burn and keep things fresher, wrap them in plastic wrap after freezing and place in a freezer-safe bag.
These popsicles along with many fantastic others are all over on Wit & Vinegar's blog for #PopsicleWeek.
More popsicle recipes
Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Lemonade Popsicles
Ingredients
- 1 whole lemon cleaned, sliced into quarters, with exposed pith and seeds removed
- ½-3/4 cup honey or to taste (agave syrup or organic cane sugar if vegan)
- 2 cups cold water
- pinch of salt
Optional
- ½ cup raspberries, blueberries, or chopped strawberries
Instructions
- In a high-powered blender, add lemon wedges, honey, water, and pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth. Taste/test for desired sweetness and add more sweetener if needed.
- Strain the mixture into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup.
- Pour the strained mixture into a 10-cavity popsicle mold, filling ¾ of the way full. If using raspberries, divide evenly and add to molds. Add sticks and place in freezer until solid.
- For best results, allow the frozen pops to sit for a couple of minutes at room temperature before removing from the ice pop mold.
Notes
Nutrition
Melissa Griffiths
I just posted some homemade lemonade recipes and my kids were all about selling the lemonade on the road! So fun! And I love the idea of using the whole lemon - I will have to try this!
Tessa
Aw, yay! Selling roadside is a summer must. :) Hope you all had a wonderful 4th!
Caraskitchen (@CaraCarin)
I want one of these so bad right now! its 105f in AZ
Tessa
105! But it's a dry heat, right? Haha. That is hot!! You do need these pops!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I love this recipe Tessa! So easy for summer and so refreshing! I remember my boys selling lemonade at the corner of our street when they were little! So fun! Such great memories!
Tessa
Thanks, Mary Ann! It must be a right of passage - so fun! xo
Mimi
These are gorgeous. I love the tip for using the whole lemon. I've used a whole lemon for making a lemon dressing, and it's superb.
Tessa
Thanks so much, Mimi! Using the whole lemon for dressing is such a great idea - I will have to try that!