Name: Strawberry Lemonade
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 10 servings
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10-12 medium lemons); 8 cups cold water, divided; Ice cubes, for serving; Fresh strawberry slices and lemon rounds, for garnish (optional)

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Sizzling summer days are begging for a drink that’s as vibrant and joyful as the season itself, and my homemade Strawberry Lemonade is here to deliver! Seriously, this isn’t just any lemonade—it’s a flavor explosion of sweet, sun-ripened strawberries and tangy, fresh-squeezed lemons that will have everyone cheering for more. Get ready to ditch the boring store-bought stuff and create a legendary pitcher of pure, pink happiness that’s guaranteed to be the star of your next barbecue, pool party, or family gathering!

Why This Recipe Works

Fresh Fruit Power: We use real, juicy strawberries and hand-squeezed lemons for a flavor that’s miles ahead of any artificial syrup or powder.
Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance: A simple syrup made with granulated sugar tames the lemon’s pucker and highlights the strawberry’s natural sweetness without being cloying.
Super Simple & Scalable: With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a single glass or a giant party-sized batch in no time.
Stunning Visual Appeal: The gorgeous, natural pink color from the blended strawberries makes this drink as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 ½ cups fresh lemon juice (from about 10-12 medium lemons)
8 cups cold water, divided
Ice cubes, for serving
Fresh strawberry slices and lemon rounds, for garnish (optional)

Equipment Needed

Blender or food processor
Medium saucepan
Fine-mesh strainer
Large pitcher (at least 3-quart capacity)
Citrus juicer or reamer
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Luscious Strawberry Puree

Alright, flavor chasers, let’s kick things off with the star of the show—the strawberries! Grab your blender or food processor and toss in all 2 pounds of those gorgeous, hulled and sliced berries. We’re talking maximum berry power here! Pour in 1 cup of the cold water to help everything blend smoothly. Now, hit that power button and let it rip for a full 45 to 60 seconds until you have a completely smooth, vibrant red puree with zero chunks. You want it silky! Pro Tip: For an ultra-smooth lemonade, strain this puree through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, pressing with a spoon to extract every last drop of liquid and leave the seeds behind. It takes an extra minute but creates a perfectly sleek texture that’s totally worth it!

Step 2: Whip Up the Simple Syrup

Time to build our sweet foundation! Grab a medium saucepan and combine the 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar with 1 cup of cold water. Place it over medium-high heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear. Do NOT let it boil—we’re making a simple syrup, not candy! Once the sugar is invisible, immediately remove the pan from the heat. This hot syrup will blend seamlessly with our other ingredients, ensuring every sip is evenly sweet without any gritty sugar surprises at the bottom of your glass. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before the next step.

Step 3: Juice Those Lemons Like a Pro

Channel your inner citrus superhero! Roll each of your 10-12 lemons firmly on the countertop with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds before cutting—this breaks down the internal membranes and makes them juicier! Cut each lemon in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract every last drop. You’re aiming for 1 ½ cups of fresh, tangy, glorious lemon juice. Pro Tip: Strain the juice through your fine-mesh strainer to catch any pesky seeds or pulp bits, ensuring your lemonade is flawlessly smooth. Fresh juice is non-negotiable here; the bottled stuff just can’t compete with that bright, zesty punch!

Step 4: The Grand Mixing Celebration

Here comes the magic moment! Take your large pitcher (make sure it’s at least 3 quarts to hold everything) and pour in the beautiful strawberry puree. Follow it up with the slightly cooled simple syrup and that fantastic fresh lemon juice. Now, grab your spoon and give it one vigorous stir to start combining these powerhouse flavors. Slowly pour in the remaining 6 cups of cold water while stirring continuously. Keep stirring for a good 30 seconds to make sure every element is fully incorporated and the color is a uniform, breathtaking pink. Give it a quick taste—is it perfect? Adjust with a tiny bit more water if it’s too strong, but remember, the ice will dilute it slightly later!

Step 5: Chill Out and Serve with Style

Patience, party people! For the absolute best flavor, pop a lid on that pitcher and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally up to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to marry and mellow into pure harmony. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses to the brim with ice cubes—this keeps it frosty cold without watering it down too fast. Pour the chilled strawberry lemonade over the ice, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry slice and a thin lemon round on the rim. Pro Tip: For a fun presentation, freeze some strawberry slices or small lemon wedges into ice cube trays with water—they make gorgeous, edible ice cubes that won’t dilute your drink! Now raise your glass and enjoy the taste of summer!

Tips and Tricks

Want to take your lemonade from great to legendary? Try these bonus moves! For a deeper, more complex strawberry flavor, macerate your sliced berries: toss them with ¼ cup of the sugar from the recipe and let them sit for 30 minutes before blending—they’ll release incredible juices. If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with 1 cup of sugar in the simple syrup and add more to taste after mixing. For a sparkling twist, replace 2 cups of the final cold water with chilled club soda or lemon-lime soda right before serving—just stir gently to keep the fizz. To make a beautiful frozen version, pour the finished lemonade into ice pop molds or an ice cream maker for refreshing strawberry lemonade pops or sorbet! Always store any leftovers in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days for the freshest taste.

Recipe Variations

Herbal Infusion: Add ½ cup of fresh mint leaves or 3-4 sprigs of fresh basil to the simple syrup as it cools for a refreshing, aromatic twist.
Berry Blast: Swap out 1 pound of the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blackberries, or a mix for a multi-berry lemonade explosion.
Adult Upgrade: For a cocktail version, add a shot (1.5 oz) of vodka, gin, or tequila to each glass before pouring the lemonade. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Creamy Dream: Blend in 1 cup of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt with the strawberries for a creamy, milkshake-style strawberry lemonade.
Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 thinly sliced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) to the simple syrup as it cools for a sweet, tangy, and spicy beverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly and are often more affordable. No need to thaw—just blend them straight from the freezer. You might need to blend a bit longer, and the final color might be a slightly deeper red, but the flavor will still be fantastic!

Q: How long does homemade strawberry lemonade last in the refrigerator?
A> For the best taste and freshness, enjoy your lemonade within 2 to 3 days when stored in a sealed pitcher or container in the fridge. The color may darken slightly over time, but it will still be safe to drink.

Q: My lemonade turned out too sweet/tart. How can I fix it?
A> No problem! If it’s too sweet, stir in a little more fresh lemon juice or plain water, a quarter cup at a time, until balanced. If it’s too tart, dissolve an extra tablespoon or two of sugar in a splash of hot water, let it cool, then mix it into the pitcher.

Q: Can I make this sugar-free or with a sugar substitute?
A> You bet! Replace the granulated sugar in the simple syrup with an equal amount of your preferred granulated sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit) that measures 1:1 like sugar. Follow the same syrup-making steps. Always check the sweetener’s properties for heating.

Q: Is it necessary to strain the strawberry puree?
A> It’s not strictly necessary, but highly recommended for a smooth, professional texture. Straining removes the tiny strawberry seeds and any remaining pulp, giving you a silky-smooth lemonade. If you don’t mind a bit of texture, you can skip it!

Summary

This vibrant Strawberry Lemonade combines fresh fruit, simple syrup, and zesty lemon juice into the ultimate refreshing drink. It’s easy, customizable, and guaranteed to be the hit of any summer gathering!