Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Lemonade is a crowd-pleaser, offering the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The combination of fresh strawberries and lemons creates a natural, refreshing drink that’s far superior to store-bought options. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a great way to use seasonal fruits and hydrate in a delicious way. The simple syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, and the optional addition of ice and fruit garnishes takes it over the top. It's versatile, customizable, and perfect for any occasion, whether you're serving it at a family get-together or enjoying it on a relaxing afternoon.

Ingredients

For Simple Syrup:
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water

For Strawberry Lemonade:
1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 2 cups)
1¼ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 to 8 lemons)
4 cups cold water
Ice

For Garnish:
Fresh lemon slices
Hulled, quartered strawberries

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of water and the granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from heat and let the syrup cool.

2. Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Place the hulled and quartered strawberries along with half a cup of water into a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp, if desired (optional step). You should have just over 1 cup of strawberry juice.

3. Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, simple syrup, strained strawberry juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust to your preference. If it’s too strong, add up to 2 additional cups of water for a milder flavor.

5. Serve: Add ice to the pitcher until nearly full. Garnish with thinly sliced lemon slices and quartered strawberries, if desired. Stir again and serve over ice in glasses, topping each with a slice of lemon or a fresh strawberry.

6. Store: Keep the lemonade in the fridge until ready to serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 8 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add Mint: For an extra refreshing twist, add some fresh mint leaves to the lemonade.

• Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: Replace some or all of the cold water with sparkling water for a fizzy version of this lemonade.

• Sweetness Variations: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of sugar in the simple syrup, or use a sugar substitute.

• Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry lemonade.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover strawberry lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled in a sealed container to preserve the freshness and flavor. Avoid freezing, as the texture might change when thawed. Always serve it cold over ice for the best experience.

FAQs

How long does homemade strawberry lemonade last?

Homemade strawberry lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used in place of fresh ones, especially if fresh strawberries are out of season.

Can I make strawberry lemonade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lemonade up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe sugar-free?

You can substitute the simple syrup with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to make this lemonade sugar-free.

Can I make the lemonade less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply use less sugar in the simple syrup or add more water to dilute the flavor.

Is it necessary to strain the strawberry puree?

Straining the strawberry puree is optional. If you prefer a smoother texture, it’s best to strain it to remove the seeds and pulp.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of freshly squeezed?

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

How much lemonade does this recipe make?

This recipe makes about 8 servings of strawberry lemonade.

Can I add sparkling water to this lemonade?

Yes, sparkling water can be used to make this a fizzy strawberry lemonade. Adjust the amount of still water to maintain the balance.

Conclusion

Strawberry Lemonade is an easy and refreshing way to cool off during hot summer days. With its sweet, tangy flavor and vibrant color, it’s the perfect drink for any outdoor event or family gathering. Whether you prefer it as a simple thirst-quencher or a festive drink with added garnishes, this strawberry lemonade recipe is a surefire hit for both kids and adults alike. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy this homemade drink that brings the taste of summer to your glass!

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