Description
A refreshing Strawberry Lemonade recipe that can be enjoyed as a mocktail or cocktail. This delicious drink combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, tangy fresh lemon juice, and a homemade simple syrup. You can add vodka, gin, or white rum for an adult version or leave it out for a delightful non-alcoholic beverage. Perfect for warm weather or any gathering, served chilled over ice and garnished with fresh mint and strawberries.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup white sugar
Strawberry Lemonade
- 10 strawberries (with the ends cut off, fresh ripe are best but frozen will work)
- 1 cup of lemon juice (about 6 lemons, freshly squeezed)
- ¾ cup of vodka (optional, gin or white rum also work)
Instructions
- Make simple syrup: Add the water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely before using.
- Blend ingredients: In a blender, combine the strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka or other alcohol if using, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Strain the lemonade: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it to remove seeds and pulp, creating a smooth lemonade.
- Serve and garnish: Serve the strawberry lemonade over ice in glasses. Garnish with sliced lemons, additional strawberries, and fresh mint leaves for a refreshing presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh ripe strawberries for the best flavor, but frozen strawberries will also work well.
- You can substitute the vodka with gin or white rum to vary the cocktail base.
- For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the alcohol.
- Adjust sugar quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet lemonade.
- Serve chilled and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
