Strawberry Lemonade
Fresh strawberry lemonade blends ripe berries, bright lemon juice, and simple syrup into a refreshing summer drink for picnics, barbecues, and hot days.
By TastyTrails Kitchen · Published · Updated
Jump to RecipeStrawberry lemonade is a classic American summer drink made by combining fresh lemon juice with sweetened water and strawberry purée. Straining the berries gives the drink a smooth texture while keeping their color and flavor.
This version uses a quick simple syrup so the sugar dissolves evenly instead of settling at the bottom of the pitcher. Chill it before serving, or pour it over plenty of ice when you need it right away.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water, divided
- 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, strained
- 2 cups (480 ml) cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices and fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Make the simple syrup by combining the sugar and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of the water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir for 2-3 minutes, until the sugar has completely dissolved; do not boil. Cool for 5 minutes.
- 2
Blend the strawberries with the remaining 1/2 cup (120 ml) water on high for 30-45 seconds, until smooth and vividly red.
- 3
Strain the strawberry purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing gently with a spoon. Discard the seeds and pulp, or leave some unstrained if you prefer a more rustic drink.
- 4
Add the cooled syrup, lemon juice, and cold water to the pitcher. Stir well, then taste; add a little more lemon juice for tartness or sugar syrup for sweetness if needed.
- 5
Chill for at least 30 minutes, or serve immediately over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a strawberry.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Lemonade
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries because underripe berries produce pale, less flavorful lemonade.
- Strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and large pulp, but avoid bottled lemon juice if possible; fresh juice gives the cleanest flavor.
- Cool the syrup before mixing so it does not warm the drink or dull the fresh strawberry flavor.
- For sparkling strawberry lemonade, replace up to half of the cold water with chilled sparkling water just before serving.
- Make the lemonade up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. Stir well before pouring because the fruit purée may settle.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate strawberry lemonade in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, and add ice only to individual glasses so the drink does not become diluted. Freezing is not recommended because the fresh strawberry texture changes, but it can be frozen in ice-cube trays for chilling future drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry lemonade?
Yes. Thaw 1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries first, then blend them as directed. The lemonade may be slightly less bright in color but will still taste fresh.
How long does homemade strawberry lemonade last?
It keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir it before serving because the strawberry solids naturally settle.
Can I make strawberry lemonade less sweet?
Start with 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar instead of 3/4 cup (150 g), then add more syrup to taste. The final sweetness also depends on how tart the lemons and strawberries are.
Can I make this strawberry lemonade sparkling?
Yes. Replace up to half of the cold water with chilled sparkling water, adding it immediately before serving to preserve the bubbles.
Quick Info
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (estimated)
