Indulge in the ultimate summer refreshment with our homemade Strawberry Lemonade! This fruity and sweet beverage is perfect for beating the summer heat, featuring fresh strawberries blended into a delightful mix that's sure to quench your thirst.
Homemade Lemonade is the ultimate summer drink, and when you add fresh strawberries, it takes this classic beverage to a whole new level. The combination of tart lemons and sweet, juicy strawberries makes every sip a burst of summer flavor. When the days start to get steamy, nothing is more refreshing and helps you cool down than a tall, cold glass of homemade Strawberry Lemonade.
Local strawberries are plentiful in the spring and summer, making it the ideal time to whip up a batch of this delightful drink. I love incorporating fresh strawberries into a variety of recipes, from homemade strawberry preserves to strawberry mango smoothies. But there’s something uniquely satisfying about blending them into lemonade. The strawberries add a vibrant color and an extra layer of sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy lemon juice.
Strawberry Lemonade is perfect when you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or just relaxing on the porch with a good book. The fresh, fruity flavors make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it's a great way to use up an abundance of strawberries, ensuring none of these delicious berries go to waste.
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Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar – Sugar is dissolved in water to create a simple syrup that blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Water – Use cold, filtered water for the best result. You could also use sparkling water.
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries are best, but frozen can be a good substitute.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tartness that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
- Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium high heat in sauce pan. Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat.
- Squeeze lemons for fresh lemon juice and add to pitcher.
- Blend strawberries until fully pureed. Add puree to lemon juice.
- Add in the simple syrup and additional water. Stir and chill until ready to serve.
Hint: Allow the simple syrup to cool and use cold water to make the lemonade.
Substitutions/ Variations
- Swap the Strawberries – You can substitute any fresh fruit in place of the strawberries. Experiment with blueberries, watermelon, raspberries and more.
- Sparkling – Use 5-6 cups of sparkling water in place of the regular water for a sparkling lemonade.
- Herbs – Fresh herbs like basil, mint or rosemary can be added for an enhanced flavor.
- Spicy – Add slices of fresh jalapeno to your serving glasses and muddle slightly before pouring in the lemonade.
Storage
Fresh lemonade with strawberries can be stored in an airtight glass container or pitcher for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze, pour the lemonade into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, or freeze it in ice cube trays. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature, and stir well before serving.
Top Tips
- Select strawberries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Ripe strawberries are naturally sweeter and will enhance the flavor of your lemonade.
- Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Fresh lemons provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Remove the stems and hull the strawberries before blending them. This ensures a smooth and seed-free puree.
- For a smoother drink, strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds and pulp.
- The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference. Start with the recommended amount and add more if necessary.
- Make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in water over heat. This ensures the sugar is fully dissolved and evenly distributed in the lemonade.
- Refrigerate the strawberry lemonade for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures the drink is refreshing.
FAQ
You can substitute an equal amount of frozen strawberries for the fresh strawberries. Thaw them before proceeding with the recipe.
To make your strawberry lemonade less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. You can also add more water or lemon juice to balance the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, add more sugar to taste.
You can prepare strawberry lemonade a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious. Just keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Strawberry lemonade is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. For a delightful cocktail, add a splash of vodka to transform it into a refreshing adult beverage. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, top it with club soda to create a sparkling mocktail that’s just as enjoyable. On especially hot days, blend the lemonade with ice to make a slushy, frozen treat that’s sure to cool you down.
This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with light appetizers such as caprese skewers, shrimp cocktail, or vegan charcuterie. Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or simply relaxing at home, strawberry lemonade is the perfect accompaniment to keep everyone refreshed and satisfied.
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RECIPE
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 lb strawberries stemmed and hulled
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 4 lemons
- 5-6 cups cold water
Instructions
- Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium high heat in sauce pan. Once it comes to a boil, remove from heat.
- Squeeze lemons for fresh lemon juice and add to pitcher.
- Blend strawberries until fully pureed. Add puree to lemon juice.
- Add in the simple syrup and additional water. Stir and chill until ready to serve.
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