Description
A refreshing homemade Strawberry Lemonade recipe that combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Perfectly balanced with a simple syrup and served chilled with ice and garnishes, this lemonade is a delightful drink for warm days or any time you need a cool, fruity refreshment.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
Lemonade Base
- 1 cup lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Garnish and Serving
- Slices of lemon (for garnish)
- Whole strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 30 minutes to room temperature.
- Prepare the strawberries: While the syrup cools, blend the hulled and halved strawberries with a small amount of water until smooth. For a smoother lemonade, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
- Juice the lemons: Juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp for a clean, tart flavor.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix together the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the lemonade and adjust its balance. Add more lemon juice if it’s too sweet, or add more water or a little sugar if it’s too tart — customize to your liking.
- Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices, whole strawberries, and optional mint leaves for a fresh presentation. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your sweetness preference.
- Straining the strawberry puree and lemon juice results in a smoother texture, but you can skip for a more rustic style.
- For a sparkling version, substitute cold water with sparkling water.
- Mint leaves make a great fragrant addition for garnish.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving as separation may occur.
