Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry Lemonade is one of those drinks that instantly makes any day feel a little more special. It is bright, refreshing, and just sweet enough. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or just want something fun to sip on the porch, this homemade version blows the bottled stuff out of the water.
I love this recipe because you can adjust it exactly how you like. Want it a little more tart? Add more lemon. Prefer it sweeter? A splash of extra sugar or strawberries will do the trick. You can even make it ahead, so it is ready to pour when guests arrive.
Ingredients
- Strawberries – Fresh strawberries work best in this recipe.
- Granulated sugar – White sugar. You can try it with sweetener, but add it to taste.
- Lemon juice – From fresh lemons. The bottled stuff doesn’t have the same flavor.
- Water
- Ice
- Lemon slices
How To Make Strawberry Lemonade
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
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Buy Now!Start by preparing the strawberries. Hull them and cut them into quarters. Place the strawberries in a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and ¼ cup of the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a good stir to coat the strawberries. Cover the bowl and let the mixture rest for about thirty minutes. This draws out all the sweet, juicy goodness from the berries.
Next, transfer the softened strawberries and their juices to a high-powered blender. I love using a blender with a wide pitcher because it makes blending thick purees like this a breeze. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
Pour the blended strawberry mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use a silicone spatula to help press the puree through and remove the seeds, leaving you with a silky, vibrant strawberry base.
Add the remaining 1¾ cups of fresh lemon juice to the pitcher. Stir in four cups of cold water and mix everything well. Taste the lemonade and add up to one more cup of cold water if you prefer a lighter, less intense flavor.
When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice. Give the pitcher a quick stir, then pour the lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wheels for a pretty presentation.
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
- Strain the puree well for a smooth, seed-free lemonade.
- Make the lemonade up to one day in advance and refrigerate.
- For a fun twist, add a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
Recommended
Make It A Meal
Serve Strawberry Lemonade with light summer fare like grilled chicken, pasta salads, sandwiches, or fruit-forward desserts. It is also a fantastic non-alcoholic option for brunches, showers, or outdoor parties.
Storage
Store the prepared lemonade in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher for up to three days. Stir well before serving, as natural separation may occur. Leftover strawberry puree can also be frozen for up to three months and used to make single servings as needed.
Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries plus extra to garnish
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice strained and divided
- 4 – 5 cups cold water
- ice for serving
- lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by hulling and cutting them into quarters. Place them in a large mixing bowl with the granulated sugar and ¼ cup of the fresh lemon juice. Stir well, cover, and let sit for 30 minutes.
- Transfer the softened strawberries and their juices to a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove the seeds.
- Stir the remaining 1¾ cups of lemon juice and four cups of cold water into the pitcher. Taste and adjust with up to one additional cup of cold water for a milder flavor.
- Serve the lemonade over ice. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and lemon wheels if desired.
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor.
- Strain the puree well for a smooth, seed-free lemonade.
- Make the lemonade up to one day in advance and refrigerate.
- For a fun twist, add a splash of sparkling water just before serving.
