Few drinks capture the taste of summer quite like strawberry lemonade. It’s bright, sweet, tangy, and packed with fresh fruit flavor.
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Strawberry Lemonade Recipe – The Most Refreshing Summer Drink
This Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate summer refresher! Made with fresh strawberries, zesty lemons, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for barbecues, parties, or a simple afternoon treat. Quick to prepare, naturally vibrant, and endlessly customizable, it’s a drink everyone will love. 🍓🍋 Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a glass of sunshine in every sip!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, or use honey/agave)
4 cups cold water (still or sparkling)
Ice cubes (for serving)
Lemon slices (for garnish)
Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare strawberries – Rinse and hull the strawberries, then cut them into halves or quarters.
Blend into purée – Place strawberries in a blender with ½ cup water and blend until smooth. For a smoother drink, strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Juice lemons – Roll lemons on the counter, cut in half, and juice until you have about 1 cup.
Make simple syrup – In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then let cool.
Mix everything – In a pitcher, combine strawberry purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add the remaining cold water and stir well.
Chill and serve – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve over ice with lemon slices and fresh strawberries.
Notes
Adjust sugar based on strawberry sweetness – taste before serving.
Swap still water with sparkling for a fizzy twist.
Freeze extra strawberry slices and use them as ice cubes.
For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or rosé wine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Beverages
- Method: Blending / Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Whether you’re sitting on a sunny porch, hosting a picnic, or preparing a refreshing drink for a family barbecue, this homemade strawberry lemonade is the perfect choice.
Unlike store-bought mixes, this recipe uses real strawberries and fresh lemon juice, giving you a vibrant color, a natural sweetness, and a tart citrus kick that’s completely irresistible.
In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best strawberry lemonade from scratch. We’ll cover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, creative variations, and even answer common questions. By the end, you’ll have a go-to recipe that’s not only refreshing but also customizable to your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade
- Fresh and natural – made with real strawberries and fresh lemons, no artificial powders or syrups.
- Beautiful color – the natural red from strawberries blends perfectly with golden lemon juice for a gorgeous pink drink.
- Versatile – serve it plain, sparkling, or spiked for adults.
- Make ahead – perfect for parties, picnics, and summer gatherings.
- Kid-friendly – sweet enough to be loved by kids, tangy enough for adults.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. You can easily double it for a party.
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons, depending on size)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, can substitute with honey or agave)
- 4 cups cold water (still or sparkling, depending on your preference)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions – How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
Here’s a step-by-step guide with unique wording so it’s easy to follow and plagiarism-free:
- Prepare the strawberries
- Wash the strawberries under cold water and remove the green tops. Slice them into halves or quarters for easier blending.
- Make the strawberry purée
- Place the strawberries into a blender or food processor. Add ½ cup of water and blend until completely smooth. If you prefer a pulp-free drink, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Juice the lemons
- Roll each lemon firmly on the counter to loosen the juices. Cut them in half and squeeze out the juice, either by hand or with a juicer, until you have about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
- Dissolve the sugar
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar with 1 cup of water. Heat gently over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves, making a simple syrup. Let it cool slightly before adding it to your drink.
- Mix everything together
- In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir well. Add the remaining cold water and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Chill and serve
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. When ready, fill glasses with ice, pour in the strawberry lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade
- Balance the sweetness – taste as you go. Strawberries can vary in sweetness, so you may need to adjust sugar.
- Use sparkling water – for a fizzy, soda-like version, swap still water with sparkling.
- Make it ahead – prepare the strawberry purée and lemon juice the day before, then mix with water just before serving.
- Freeze extra strawberries – frozen strawberry slices make great ice cubes that won’t water down your drink.
Flavor Variations
Strawberry lemonade is a fantastic base to experiment with. Try these twists:
- Mint Strawberry Lemonade – add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a cool, herbal kick.
- Spicy Strawberry Lemonade – muddle a few slices of fresh jalapeño for a subtle heat.
- Herbal Infused – steep basil or rosemary in the simple syrup before mixing for a gourmet touch.
- Berry Blend Lemonade – combine strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed-berry lemonade.
- Frozen Strawberry Lemonade – blend everything with ice for a slushy texture.
- Adult Version – add vodka, rum, or rosé wine for a summer cocktail.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or summer salads for the ultimate barbecue drink.
- Serve in a large mason jar dispenser for parties – it looks stunning with floating lemon slices and strawberries.
- Add colorful straws or garnish each glass with a lemon wedge and a strawberry for an Instagram-worthy touch.
Storing Strawberry Lemonade
- Refrigerator: Store in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezer: Freeze strawberry purée and lemon juice separately in ice cube trays. Defrost and mix with water when ready.
Health Benefits
- Vitamin C boost – both lemons and strawberries are rich in Vitamin C, great for immunity and skin.
- Hydrating – perfect for keeping refreshed on hot days.
- Antioxidants – strawberries are packed with antioxidants that support heart health.
FAQs About Strawberry Lemonade
1. Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Replace part of the sugar with honey, agave, or even stevia. Adjust until it suits your taste.
3. Can I make it sparkling?
Absolutely. Replace half or all of the water with sparkling water for bubbles.
4. How do I make it kid-friendly for parties?
Serve in mason jars with fun straws and plenty of fruit slices. Kids love the color!
5. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them before blending, or use them frozen for a thicker texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Method: Mixing / Blending
Keyword: Strawberry Lemonade, Summer Drink, Refreshing Beverages
Skill Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Vitamin C: 70% DV
Notes & Pro Tips
- Taste before serving – every batch of strawberries and lemons will differ in flavor.
- If making for a party, double the recipe – it disappears fast!
- For best presentation, serve with plenty of ice and fruit slices floating in the pitcher.
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