Citron Presse is a French drink like lemonade except that it’s served as individual components that you mix yourself at the table. It’s refreshing and fun!
Make lemonade the French way with this Citron Pressé recipe. It’s so simple and refreshing, I just love doing this during the summer.
Scroll down to read more about how it all comes together or click here to jump straight down to the recipe.
![Citron Presse White plate of lemon slices, glass jars of simple syrup and lemon juice, and a large pitcher of ice water.](https://cookthestory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/citron-presse-tall-02-lowres-660x990.jpg)
What Is Citron Pressé?
Citron Pressé means “squeezed lemon” and is really just deconstructed lemonade. It’s a staple in French cafes and perfect for summer.
I prefer it to lemonade because each person is able to adjust the sweetness and tartness to their own taste (I make mine really really sour). This is possible because each component is served separately.
What Do You Need?
You get a pitcher of iced water, a container of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a container of simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water), and a glass with ice. Then you and your guests can each make their perfect glass.
Another advantage of citron pressé is that you can easily make a single glass of it for yourself without having to mix up a whole jug. Just squeeze lemon juice into a glass, add some ice cubes, squirt in some sweetener, and top off with water.
More Refreshing Drink Recipes
![](https://cookthestory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/citron-presse-square-02-150x150.jpg)
Citron Pressé Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: French
DESCRIPTION
Citron Presse is a deconstructed lemonade meaning that you serve the lemon juice, water, and sweetening ingredients separately and everyone mixes their own drink to their liking at the table.
Ingredients
- 5 lemons, divided
- 1 cup simple syrup or agave nectar
- Ice
- Cold water
Instructions
- Squeeze the juice from 4 of the lemons. Pour the juice into a small jug. Slice the fifth lemon and place the slices on a plate.
- Put the simple syrup or agave in a jug.
- Fill a large jug with ice and top with cold water.
- Take the jug of lemon juice, of syrup and of water to the table along with 4 glasses and 4 spoons.
- Allow everyone to mix their own drink to their desired sweet and sourness.
Love this recipe? I’d appreciate it if you could scroll down and add a *5 star rating* to help others know they’ll love it as well!
This post originally appeared in 2010 and was revised and republished in July 2024.
![Citron Pressé](https://cookthestory.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/citron-presse-tall-02-lowres.jpg)
This is also delicious made with sparkling water
Thanks for the suggestion, Sheila!
When we’re in central FL visiting my parents, the highlight for my kids (aside from the golf cart) is picking oranges. Disney? Who needs that when you can make your own juice! Anyway, I really enjoy the tone of your blog. It’s always all about the story for me.
Yes, the juice here is fantastic. With the cold weather snaps we’ve been having, my favorite thing has been going out in the morning and picking oranges to squeeze immediately, while their juice is still cold. Nothing better.
I’m so happy that you like my blog. Thank you.
Do you like the light or dark Agave nectar?
There’s some interesting info from the “Queen of Green” (Debra Lynn Dadd) about differences she’s detected between the two here: http://www.dld123.com/sweetsavvy/sweeteners/summary.php?id=Agave%20Nectar
I’ve only ever bought the dark and love it!
I didn’t know it could happen either. I was like, “WHAT is THAT???” But it was the best lemon I’ve ever smelled or tasted. Thanks for visiting :).
Lovely drink! Those bumpy lemons are out of control. I didn’t even know that could happen?? Thank you for your visit to my blog! Looking forward to sharing recipes :)