Chick-fil-a Lemonade
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Nothing says summer quite like a tall glass of ice-cold classic lemonade, and here at RMK, we’re kicking off the season with something special—Lemonade Week! All week long, we’re celebrating this classic drink with fun recipes, refreshing twists, and a few personal favorites. And speaking of favorites, my go-to lemonade has always been the one from Chick-fil-A—it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and I just can’t get enough.
Recently, my BBFF (Best Blogging Friend Forever) Melissa from Stockpiling Moms had the amazing opportunity to visit Chick-fil-A’s corporate headquarters, where she learned the secrets behind their famous lemonade – simple ingredients. When she told me she had the actual recipe, I knew I had to try it for myself—and what better way to kick off Lemonade Week than with a copycat version of my favorite drink?
Personally, I usually order the diet lemonade, which Chick-fil-A sweetens with Splenda sweetener, but their original version made with pure cane sugar is just as delicious. Whether you go classic or sugar-free, this lemonade is a summer must-sip. Huge thanks to Melissa for sharing the recipe—it’s the perfect way to bring a little Chick-fil-A sunshine into your own kitchen!
Ingredients for Chick-fil-a Lemonade
- SUNKIST LEMONS (THAT IS WHAT CHICK-FIL-A USES)
- GRANULATED SUGAR (OR SPLENDA FOR THE DIET VERSION)
- WATER
Instructions for Chick-fil-a Lemonade
Juice the Lemons – Start by juicing enough fresh lemons to yield 1½ cups of lemon juice. This usually takes about 7–8 large lemons, depending on their size and juiciness. For best results, use a citrus press or juicer and strain out any seeds or excess pulp.
Dissolve the Sugar – Pour the lemon juice into a large pitcher and add granulated sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture looks smooth and glossy.
Add the Water – Pour in cold filtered water and whisk again until everything is well combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Chill & Serve – Chill the lemonade in the fridge until it’s nice and cold—at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Then enjoy a sip of tangy happiness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to capturing that signature Chick-fil-A flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat or metallic due to preservatives, but if you’re in a pinch, choose a high-quality brand and strain it well.
Can I make a sugar-free or diet version?
Yes! Chick-fil-A uses Splenda for their diet lemonade. You can substitute with monk fruit, stevia, or honey—just adjust the amount based on sweetness level.
How long does homemade lemonade last in the refrigerator?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days in a sealed pitcher. Stir before serving, as natural ingredients may settle.
Why does my lemonade taste bitter?
You may have squeezed too hard and released oils from the lemon pith. To avoid this, juice gently and strain the juice to remove pulp and seeds.
Can I add other flavors or fruits?
Yes! Try adding strawberries, mint, or a splash of lime juice for a fun twist. You can even make a sparkling version with fizzy water.
What’s the best water to use?
Use filtered or bottled water for the cleanest taste. Tap water can affect the flavor, especially if it’s heavily chlorinated.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Frozen Pink Lemonade Pie
- Chick-fil-a Frosted Lemonade
- Creamy Lemonade Pie
- Strawberry Lemonade Cookies
Chick-fil-a Lemonade
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8-10 Sunkist lemons that is what Chick-fil-a uses
- 1 cup granulated sugar or Splenda for the diet version
- 5 ⅓ cups water
Instructions
- Juice lemons so you end up with 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice.
- Add lemon juice to a pitcher and whisk with the sugar until sugar is dissolved.
- Add water and whisk until well combined.
- Refrigerate until nice and cold. Enjoy! Serves 4-6.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from Stockpiling Moms.
