Homemade Lemonade with Stevia
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Mar 26, 2026 
My sugar-free lemonade with stevia is my family’s go-to refreshing drink for hot summer days. I mix fresh-squeezed lemon juice, water, and zero-calorie stevia to create a perfectly sweet lemonade without the sugar. This easy 3-ingredient recipe is hydrating, delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy a classic summer drink without the extra calories.
My son Carson is an adult now, but as a child, he had an absolute sweet tooth. (Ok, not much has changed there.) For years, he would come home from school and immediately start sifting through the pantry, hunting for a sweet snack. When no sugar was to be found he’d ask, “Can I make lemonade?”
Me: “Baby, you don’t need all that sugar.”
Carson: “How about “stevia lemonade??”
I always gave in. And why not? After all, stevia is a natural zero-calorie sweetener that tames any sweet tooth without spiking sugar levels like crazy! (I mean, it’s not as healthy as my ginger shot recipe with lemon, but much more kid-friendly.) Due to Carson’s persistent routine of hunting for sugary snacks, then making himself a beverage, he became very good at making stevia lemonade. So much so, it’s now been our family’s go-to method for making lemonade for over a decade. I hope you give this homemade lemonade a try and enjoy it just as much as our family does!
Carol – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Loved Carson’s recipe. Not sweet, but not too tart!
It’s now MY favourite lemonade recipe. I use Stevia in all my baking, and now I can use it to make lemonade. The less sugar I use in recipes, the happier I am.
Table of Contents
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Three-ingredients – There is nothing easier than putting together this 3-ingredient satisfying drink! I’m combining fresh lemon juice, stevia, and water… This recipe is certainly nothing fancy, just perfect proportions to let the fabulous sweet and tart lemon flavor we love shine!
Perfect for hot days – I love to make this lemonade during the summer, whether it’s for one of those pool days, a backyard bbq, or just an afternoon pick-me-up. Mix everything up and get ready to cool off with a cold glass of bright, juicy, and refreshing lemonade in a matter of minutes!
Zero-calories – How can something this sweet and delicious have no calories? That’s the magic of stevia, people! Next to making the lemonade taste good, the best part about using this sugar alternative is that you won’t get a sugar crash after drinking the beverage.
Key Ingredients and Tips
- Lemon juice – You MUST use fresh-squeezed lemons to make this lemonade, not the bottled stuff. When I buy lemons, I look for large, ripe fruits that are slightly soft when I give them a little squeeze. There shouldn’t be any major blemishes on the outside.
- Stevia – I use a high-quality powdered stevia for the best taste. Why powdered? Because it easily combines with the water and lemon juice, whereas granulated is difficult to dissolve and will stay grainy. (Unless it’s combined in a high speed blender, like my creamy Orange Julius recipe.)
- Water – I love to use really cold filtered water from the fridge to make this super refreshing. Plus ice!
How To Make
Find the full recipe with detailed instructions and storage tips in the printable form at the bottom of the post!
Juice – I use a juicer, or you can do it the old-fashioned way by hand, to squeeze 1 1/2 cups of juice out of my 8-10 large lemons. Then I pour it into a large pitcher.
Sugar – Next, I scoop powdered stevia from the bag and into the pitcher. (Don’t try to dump it into the measuring cup. And don’t ask me how I figured out that tip.)
Stir – I use a wooden spoon to stir the lemon juice and stevia together, until the powder completely dissolves into the juice
Add Water – Lastly, I stir in the super cold water. And for even more refreshing-ness, I’ll add a large scoop of cubes or crushed ice to the pitcher.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps
- Vanilla extract – Stir in 1 teaspoon of quality vanilla to boost the tart lemonade and add a deeper level of sweetness.
- Lavender buds – Feeling fancy? Mix in fresh garden lavender buds to create a tangy floral note. Just be sure to strain them out before serving!
- Fresh Herbs – For an extra lovely touch I’ll add fresh sprigs of rosemary, fresh mint leaves, or basil leaves after I’ve mixed the lemonade together.
- Mocktail – Pour in some sparkling water for a fizzy, slightly more elevated drink.
Serving Suggestions
I’ll pour this homemade lemonade over a lot of ice in a beautiful, tall glass and top it off with a wedge of fresh lemon and some of those fresh herbs I mentioned above.
Serve a pitcher with some light appetizers like this whipped feta dip and chopped vegetables, or with this clam dip.
Storage Notes
I usually make a large batch, and it’s gone within a day. But if you do have leftover lemonade, keep it in an airtight pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! The end result will be the same. Use whichever you prefer, just keep in mind that liquid stevia can be more concentrated.
Sure, you can! Just make sure to stir before serving.
Try stirring in another 1 teaspoon of powdered stevia at a time, making sure it dissolves, until the lemonade reaches the perfect sweetness.
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More Beverage Recipes
Homemade Lemonade with Stevia
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice (8-10 juicy lemons)
- 1/2 cup powdered stevia (or equal to 1 cup sugar)
- 6 cups water
Instructions
- Pour the lemon juice into a pitcher. Stir the stevia into the lemon juice and continue stirring until the stevia has completely dissolved into the juice.
- Add the water, and stir well. Add ice and enjoy!
Sugar Twin stevia can be used spoon for spoon ;works in any drinks I’ve tried. But it contains EAYTHRITOL which is why it isn’t too sweet,but which you might choose to avoid.
I really enjoy this recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank you Carson and Carson’s mom, Sommer! I have all these lemons because I like keeping them in the kitchen but don’t want them to go to waste. And like Carson, I have a major sweet tooth but I’m on a strict diet.
I’ve always loved good, tart lemonade, but also am someone who must keep an eye on his sugar intake and waistline. As such, I’ve found this to be a great recipe. I enjoy lemonade throughout the year, even in winter. Thanks to Carson for coming up with this idea.
Fabulous! Best ever! Wonderful recipe! It’s gonna be 95° tomorrow & this lemonade will be a super hit! Thank you.