French citronnade is homemade lemonade made with fresh lemon juice, cold still water and just enough sugar to soften the tang. Cloudy, tart and quick to make, it is particularly refreshing with fresh ginger and mint on a hot day.

Homemade traditional lemonade made with real lemons, water and sugar

How to Make French Citronnade

Choose juicy, unwaxed lemons and avoid the bitter white pith when squeezing or peeling them. I use two lemons for 750ml of water, then sweeten to taste rather than burying the fresh lemon flavour.

Stir the sugar into a little water first, then add the lemon juice and remaining cold water. A strip of zest adds more fragrance, while fresh ginger gives it a gentle warmth - or a proper kick if you grate it - perfect for reviving the senses when Paris feels hotter than the Sahara in summer!

2 lemons cut in half with a tablespoon of sugar and carafe of water

How Much Lemon Do You Need for Homemade Lemonade?

Two large, juicy lemons give 750ml of water a fresh but balanced lemon flavour. However, lemons vary enormously, so taste the citronnade before adding all the sugar.

I prefer mine cloudy, sharp and unmistakably lemony. Otherwise, we have merely made sweet water and given it a French name.

pouring freshly squeezed lemon juice into a carafe of water

Citronnade vs Limonade: What's the Difference?

In everyday French use, citronnade usually means a fresh drink made with lemon juice, water and sugar, often served still and slightly cloudy. Limonade generally refers to the clear, sweet, carbonated lemon drink - the French equivalent of British-style lemonade.

However, this is not an absolute dictionary rule. Larousse allows citronnade to contain either still or sparkling water, while defining modern French limonade as a carbonated drink. I would therefore write "usually" rather than claim that sparkling citronnade does not exist.

What Is a Perrier Tranche?

One of the simplest café orders in France is un Perrier tranche: a small bottle of Perrier served with a slice of lemon and, when fortune smiles, a few ice cubes.

It is not citronnade, since the lemon is there as a garnish rather than freshly squeezed into the drink. Perrier itself still uses Perrier tranche for its classic café service with a slice of lemon.

freshly squeezed lemon in a tall tumbler glass with a carafe of water, known as Citron Pressé in Paris' Tuileries gardens — A citron pressé in the Tuileries Gardens: fresh lemon juice with water and sugar on the side. Prepare to pout.

Citronnade vs Citron Pressé

Order a citronnade and it arrives already mixed and lightly sweetened. Ask for un citron pressé, however, and you will usually receive fresh lemon juice with water and sugar on the side, leaving you in charge of the pucker.

lemonade recipe with lemons, a traditional French Citronnade

British vs American Lemonade - What's the Difference?

British lemonade is usually fizzy and closer to French limonade. American homemade lemonade uses fresh lemon juice and still water, making it much closer to French citronnade. Larousse likewise distinguishes British and American uses of the word "lemonade."

cantaloupe melon halves filled with a lemon and ginger drink and served on crushed ice for summer — Refreshing cantaloupe melon with ginger citronnade for a starter or appetizer

Add Honey or Fresh Ginger

Replace the sugar with a smaller amount of honey if you prefer, remembering that its flavour comes through more strongly. Start with a little, taste and only add more if the lemons demand it.

For ginger citronnade, use thin slices for a gentle infusion or finely grated ginger for more heat. Fresh ginger juice works beautifully too, particularly if you own a juicer and want plenty of flavour without pieces floating in the carafe.

I use the same crushed-ice presentation for melon au Porto, including my alcohol-free version with ginger citronnade.

lemon twist garnish in a Champagne glass filled with a French 75 cocktail — Another French lemon drink in Paris - with a punch!

More Lemon Drinks to Try

For something rather stronger, try my French 75 cocktail, made with lemon, gin and Champagne.

You will also find varieties, seasonal tips and more recipes in my Guide to lemons and limes.

Traditional French citronnade lemon drink made with lemons, water and sugar

French Citronnade - Homemade Lemonade

Jill Colonna

Fresh French citronnade made with real lemons, cold still water and just enough sugar or honey. Serve it well chilled with mint, or add fresh ginger for extra bite.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course aperitif

Cuisine French

Servings people

Calories 32 kcal

Equipment

citrus squeezer optional

Ingredients

2 lemons organic, unwaxed
750 ml (1 ¼ pints) water cold & still
15-30 g (1-2 tbsp) sugar or 2-3 teaspoon runny honey, to taste
2 strips lemon zest yellow part only
4 ice cubes optional
sprig fresh mint leaves garnish
2-3 slices fresh ginger or 1-2 teaspoon finely grated ginger, optional

Instructions

Stir the sugar or honey into about 100ml of the water until dissolved. Squeeze the lemons and add the juice.
Pour in the remaining cold water, then add the lemon zest and ginger, if using. Stir and adjust the sweetness to taste.
Chill for 30 minutes if time allows. Strain before serving if you used grated ginger.

Notes

Serving: Serve very cold with ice and fresh mint. For a fizzy variation, replace up to half the still water with sparkling water and add it immediately before serving.

Lemons: The amount of juice varies, so taste before adding all the sugar or honey. Avoid the bitter white pith when removing the zest.

Ginger: Sliced ginger gives a mild infusion. Use grated ginger or fresh ginger juice for a stronger kick.

Make ahead: Prepare the citronnade up to one day ahead. Remove the zest after a few hours so it does not turn bitter.

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