How to Make a Classic Citron Pressé (French Café-Style Lemonade)
If you’ve ever sat outside a French café on a warm afternoon, you may have spotted a simple yet elegant drink being served. It’s the classic citron pressé. It’s essentially a deconstructed lemonade drink—tart, refreshing, and completely customizable. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home.
For my citron pressé, I used Meyer lemons from a friend’s backyard in Los Angeles (isn’t California citrus season the best?) to make this classic French favorite. A citron pressé is typically served with just four things. You have freshly squeezed lemon juice, cold water (or sparkling water if you want a little fizz), a few sugar cubes or a shaker of sugar, and plenty of ice. That’s it! Nothing bottled, nothing artificial, just fresh, bright ingredients that let you sweeten your drink exactly how you like it.
Traditionally in France, you’re served the lemon juice and sugar separately with a carafe of cold water, and you mix your own drink at the table. There’s something so charming about that.
Rather than sugar, I like to make a honey simple syrup in advance of guests coming over. That way, my guests can stir in as much or as little as they like. Personally, I keep mine on the tart side—it’s so refreshing that way.
Though this drink is iconic on hot summer days, I especially love making it in January. It’s citrus season, after all, and many people are taking a little break from wine or cocktails. A tall glass of bright, zesty citron pressé feels like a clean, lovely ritual—a bit of sunshine in a glass. All you need is a few lemons, some ice, and a moment to enjoy something simple and fresh.
So if you’ve got a few lemons on hand, why not treat yourself to this little slice of café life?
How to make a French citron pressé or classic lemonade drink
I love that its just four simple ingredients.
- Meyer lemons
- Cold sparkling or still water
- Sugar or simple syrup made with honey
- Ice
Instructions
- Juice 4-5 Meyer lemons and strain the juice into two tall glasses with ice (leaving room for adding cold water).
- Make a simple syrup by diluting honey and warm water in equal amounts and shaking vigorously.
- Serve with a bottle of cold water and sugar or honey simple syrup.
- Add cold water and simple syrup or sugar to taste, give a stir, and enjoy!
You might also enjoy these other French recipes
- Herbs de Provence salt
- French ratatouille galette
- Summer melon salad with French ham, shallots, and basil
Classic French Citron Pressé
Print RecipeIngredients
- 4-5 Meyer lemons
- Cold sparkling or still water
- Sugar of honey simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Juice 4-5 Meyer lemons and strain the juice into two tall glasses with ice (leaving room for adding cold water).
- Make a simple syrup by diluting honey and warm water in equal amounts and shaking vigorously.
- Serve with a bottle of cold water and sugar or honey simple syrup.
- Add cold water and simple syrup or sugar to taste, give a stir, and enjoy!
