Tired of store-bought lemonades packed with artificial colors, high-fructose corn syrup, and flavors that taste nothing like real fruit? Let me introduce you to this strawberry lemonade recipe a refreshingly simple, naturally sweet beverage that captures the essence of summer in every sip.
I’m Simon, and this strawberry lemonade recipe takes me straight back to my grandmother’s porch on sweltering July afternoons. She’d send me out to pick strawberries from her garden while she hand-squeezed lemons, promising that good things come to those who wait. She was right – but these days, I’ve perfected a version that doesn’t require quite as much patience.
In my professional kitchen, Megan discovered that the secret to restaurant-quality strawberry lemonade is making a simple strawberry syrup first. This technique, which she borrowed from her pastry training, intensifies the berry flavor while naturally sweetening the drink. Jackson insists on using ice-cold water and serving it over crushed ice for maximum refreshment, while Olivia has photographed this vibrant pink drink at least a hundred times it’s simply that photogenic.
This strawberry lemonade recipe promises perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavor with real fruit taste, a gorgeous natural pink color, and incredible refreshment that beats any store-bought version. We’ve tested countless ratios to bring you the ideal balance. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover why this method works so well, how to select the best strawberries and lemons, ingredient preparation secrets, step-by-step instructions for the perfect pitcher, pro tips for ideal sweetness balance, creative flavor variations, serving suggestions for every occasion, and answers to your most common questions.
Why This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe Works
This strawberry lemonade recipe has become a summer staple in thousands of households, and here’s exactly why it delivers perfectly refreshing results every time:
- Uses fresh, whole ingredients you can pronounce – Just strawberries, lemons, sugar, and water. No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. You control exactly what goes into your glass, making it healthier and infinitely more delicious than commercial versions.
- Ready in just 20 minutes with simple techniques – No complicated processes or special equipment required. If you can boil water and squeeze lemons, you can make this. The strawberry syrup comes together in 10 minutes, and assembly takes another 5-10.
- Naturally sweetened to your exact preference – Unlike store-bought lemonades with fixed sweetness levels, this recipe is completely customizable. Start with our tested ratios, then adjust to match your taste perfectly.
- Costs a fraction of premium bottled versions – Make a full pitcher for less than $5 using seasonal strawberries and fresh lemons. That’s about 50 cents per glass compared to $3-5 for bottled premium lemonades.
- Scales beautifully from single servings to party batches – Double, triple, or quadruple the recipe effortlessly. Perfect for intimate afternoon refreshment or large summer gatherings where you need to keep a crowd hydrated and happy.
Choosing the Right Strawberries for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
The quality of your strawberries directly impacts your strawberry lemonade recipe success. Let me guide you through selecting the best berries.
Best Strawberries for This Recipe
Fresh, ripe strawberries are your top choice for the most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness in this strawberry lemonade recipe. Look for berries that are deep red throughout (not just on the surface), with bright green, fresh-looking caps. The size doesn’t matter as much as ripeness small, intensely flavored berries often deliver better taste than large, watery ones.
Peak season strawberries (late spring through early summer in most regions) offer superior flavor and sweetness. These local, vine-ripened berries cost less and taste exponentially better than imported off-season varieties. Visit farmers’ markets for the absolute best quality.
Organic strawberries are worth the premium if your budget allows, since strawberries consistently rank among the most pesticide-laden fruits. However, thoroughly washed conventional strawberries work perfectly fine for this recipe.
Frozen strawberries are an excellent year-round alternative when fresh berries are expensive or unavailable. Choose unsweetened frozen strawberries with no added sugar. They’re picked and frozen at peak ripeness, often delivering better flavor than off-season fresh berries. Use the same quantity as fresh – no need to thaw before making your syrup.
Buying Tips
Smell your strawberries before purchasing – they should have a sweet, fruity aroma even through the container. No smell usually indicates flavorless berries picked underripe.
Inspect the container bottom for signs of mold, mushiness, or excessive juice. These indicate old or damaged fruit that will compromise your strawberry lemonade recipe.
Choose local and seasonal whenever possible. Strawberries lose flavor and sweetness within days of picking, so locally grown berries that traveled hours instead of days taste dramatically better.
Avoid strawberries with white or green shoulders (the area near the stem). These underripe portions never sweeten after picking and create bitter or sour notes in your lemonade.
Buy slightly more than needed – you’ll want to snack on a few perfect berries while you’re cooking. Plan on about 1.5 pounds for this recipe, which gives you wiggle room.
Selecting Lemons for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Fresh lemons are non-negotiable for this strawberry lemonade recipe. Bottled lemon juice lacks the bright, complex flavor of fresh-squeezed and often tastes flat or overly sour. You’ll need 6-8 medium lemons for one pitcher.
Choose heavy lemons – pick up several and select the heaviest for their size, which indicates more juice. Thin-skinned lemons with finer-textured peels generally contain more juice than thick-skinned varieties.
Room temperature lemons juice more easily than cold ones. Before squeezing, roll them firmly on the counter with your palm to break up the internal membranes and release maximum juice.
Meyer lemons create a sweeter, more floral strawberry lemonade recipe variation if you can find them. Use the same quantity but reduce sugar slightly as Meyer lemons are naturally sweeter and less acidic than standard Eureka or Lisbon lemons.
Substitutions
Lime-strawberry variation: Replace half the lemons with limes for a tropical twist on this strawberry lemonade recipe. The lime adds a more complex, slightly bitter edge that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Other berries: Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries can substitute for strawberries using the same technique. Raspberry lemonade is particularly divine, though you may want to strain out the seeds.
Citrus alternatives: Try using half lemons and half grapefruit for a more sophisticated, slightly bitter version. Blood oranges create a stunning color and unique flavor profile.
Ingredients & Prep for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Proper preparation is the foundation of exceptional strawberry lemonade recipe results. Here’s everything you need to know.
Strawberry Prep Essentials
Start by rinsing your strawberries gently under cold running water just before using them. Never soak strawberries – they absorb water like sponges, diluting their flavor. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen cloth.
Hull the strawberries by removing the green leafy caps and the white core beneath. Use a paring knife or a strawberry huller tool, cutting just deep enough to remove the tough center without wasting precious fruit.
Slice strawberries into quarters or halves before making your syrup. Smaller pieces release their flavor and juice more readily during cooking, creating a more intensely flavored base for your strawberry lemonade recipe.
Don’t discard bruised or imperfect berries – they’re perfect for this recipe since you’ll be cooking them down. Save the prettiest berries for garnish.
Lemon Prep Techniques
Roll and soften your lemons on the countertop using firm pressure with your palm. This breaks down internal membranes and makes juicing significantly easier, yielding 20-30% more juice per lemon.
Zest before juicing if you want to add extra lemon flavor to your syrup (optional but delicious). Use a microplane to remove just the yellow outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. About 1-2 teaspoons of zest adds wonderful aromatic oils.
Cut lemons in half crosswise (through the equator, not pole to pole) for maximum juice extraction. If you hit a particularly stubborn lemon, microwave it for 10-15 seconds to loosen the juice.
Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Some pulp adds body and authentic texture, but seeds must be removed.
Core Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Here’s what you need for perfect strawberry lemonade recipe results:
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered (about 1 pound)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (6-8 medium lemons)
- 4-5 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
- Additional ice for serving
- Fresh strawberry slices and lemon wheels for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional but recommended)
Sweetener options: While granulated white sugar is traditional, you can experiment with honey (use 3/4 cup, added while syrup is still warm), agave nectar (similar ratio to honey), or maple syrup (creates a unique flavor profile). For sugar-free versions, use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener following package directions for sugar equivalency.
Pantry Staples
Keep these items stocked for spontaneous strawberry lemonade recipe moments:
- Quality filtered water: Since water is a primary ingredient, its flavor matters. If your tap water tastes chlorinated or off, use filtered or bottled water for best results.
- Granulated sugar: Dissolves quickly and completely in the hot syrup without adding extra flavors.
- Fresh citrus: Lemons store for weeks in the refrigerator crisper, ready whenever inspiration strikes.
- Frozen strawberries: Keep a bag in your freezer for year-round strawberry lemonade recipe making when fresh berries are unavailable.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Follow these detailed steps for foolproof strawberry lemonade recipe success every single time.
Pre-Prep for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Gather all your ingredients and tools before starting. You’ll need: a medium saucepan, a wooden spoon, a fine-mesh strainer, a potato masher or fork, a citrus juicer (manual or electric), a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts), and measuring cups.
Prepare your strawberries by washing, hulling, and quartering them. Place them in a bowl near your stovetop. This prep work ensures smooth execution once you begin cooking.
Juice your lemons ahead of time and strain into a measuring cup. You need exactly 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. This typically requires 6-8 medium lemons, but juice count varies by lemon size and ripeness. Juice a few extra if needed to reach the full cup.
Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the lemonade. Frosty glasses keep your drink colder longer and look more appealing.
Making Strawberry Syrup for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the sugar starts dissolving.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally. As the mixture heats, you’ll notice the strawberries beginning to break down and release their beautiful ruby-red juices.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the strawberries against the side of the pan, helping them release maximum flavor and color.
The syrup is ready when it’s slightly thickened, deeply colored, and fragrant. The strawberries should be very soft and the liquid should have reduced by about one-quarter. Don’t overcook – you want intense strawberry flavor, not jam.
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for 5-10 minutes. This prevents the heat from cooking your lemon juice later, which can create bitter flavors.
Straining the Syrup for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Place a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-proof bowl or large measuring cup. Pour the warm strawberry mixture through the strainer, pressing gently on the solids with the back of a spoon to extract all the flavorful liquid.
For crystal-clear lemonade, strain through cheesecloth after the mesh strainer. This removes all pulp for an elegant, restaurant-style presentation.
For rustic texture, skip straining entirely or strain loosely, leaving some strawberry pulp in your syrup. This creates a more homestyle, fruit-forward strawberry lemonade recipe with visible berry pieces.
Discard the strained strawberry solids or save them for another use (they’re wonderful swirled into yogurt or oatmeal, though most of the flavor has been extracted).
Assembling Your Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
In a large pitcher (at least 2 quarts capacity), combine your strained strawberry syrup and 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Stir well to combine these two intense flavor bases.
Add 4 cups of cold water and stir thoroughly. At this point, taste your strawberry lemonade recipe and adjust to your preference:
- Too sweet? Add more lemon juice, 1 tablespoon at a time
- Too tart? Add more water or a bit more sugar dissolved in warm water
- Too weak? Add less water or more syrup
- Too strong? Dilute with additional cold water
Remember that ice will further dilute the flavor, so your concentrate should taste slightly more intense than your desired final result.
Chill thoroughly for at least 1 hour before serving, or serve immediately over abundant ice. The flavors meld and improve during chilling.
Serving Your Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Fill your pre-chilled glasses with ice (crushed ice is ideal for maximum dilution and chill). Pour the strawberry lemonade recipe over the ice, filling glasses about three quarters full.
Garnish thoughtfully: Add a fresh strawberry slice to the rim, a lemon wheel floating on top, and a sprig of fresh mint for aroma. These visual touches transform simple lemonade into an Instagram-worthy beverage.
Stir before serving if the pitcher has been sitting, as natural fruit solids may settle to the bottom. Give it a good swirl to redistribute all the delicious strawberry goodness.
For an elegant touch, rim glasses with sugar before filling. Rub a lemon wedge around the rim, then dip in granulated or coarse sugar for a sparkling, sweet first sip.
Pro Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
These expert techniques will elevate your strawberry lemonade recipe from good to extraordinary.
Achieving Perfect Sweetness Balance in Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Start conservative with sugar – it’s easy to add sweetness but impossible to remove it. Begin with the recipe as written, then adjust to taste. Different strawberry varieties and lemons have varying natural sugar and acid levels, so some customization is always necessary.
Taste at room temperature when adjusting sweetness. Cold temperatures dull our perception of sweetness, so lemonade that tastes perfectly balanced when chilled may taste too sweet at room temperature. Aim for slightly sweeter than ideal when tasting warm.
Consider your ice situation – if serving over abundant ice (especially crushed ice), your lemonade will dilute significantly. Make your base slightly more concentrated to compensate for this inevitable melting.
Use simple syrup for post-mixing adjustments – if you need to sweeten a finished pitcher, dissolve equal parts sugar and hot water (let cool) before adding. Granulated sugar won’t dissolve in cold lemonade, creating a gritty texture.
Tool Recommendations for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Quality citrus juicer: A manual citrus reamer or electric juicer saves tremendous time and effort. Hand-squeezing 8 lemons is exhausting. A good juicer extracts more juice with less effort and strain on your hands.
Fine-mesh strainer: Essential for smooth, professional-looking lemonade. Choose one with a sturdy frame that can handle the weight of hot fruit syrup without tipping.
Large glass pitcher: Glass doesn’t absorb odors or stains like plastic can. A 2-quart (or larger) pitcher with a lid allows for easy storage and serving.
Potato masher: Makes quick work of crushing strawberries during syrup-making. A fork works in a pinch but requires more effort.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precision matters in achieving consistent results with your strawberry lemonade recipe. Invest in a good set.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Refrigerate in an airtight pitcher for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as the strawberry and lemon flavors meld together. Stir before serving, as separation is natural.
Make the strawberry syrup ahead: Prepare a double or triple batch of strawberry syrup and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months. This allows you to make fresh strawberry lemonade recipe in minutes by simply adding lemon juice and water.
Freeze into ice cubes: Pour leftover lemonade into ice cube trays. Use these flavored cubes in your next pitcher to prevent dilution while keeping drinks cold. They’re also wonderful in sparkling water or iced tea.
Don’t add ice until serving: Store your lemonade concentrate separately and add ice only when pouring individual glasses. This prevents dilution and maintains flavor intensity.
Batch cooking for parties: The recipe doubles, triples, or quadruples seamlessly. Make multiple batches of syrup in advance, then assemble pitchers as needed throughout your event.
Flavor Variations for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
This versatile strawberry lemonade recipe welcomes creative adaptations. Here are our tested favorites.
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Transform your strawberry lemonade recipe into an elegant fizzy beverage by replacing half the water with sparkling water or club soda. Add the carbonated water just before serving to preserve maximum bubbles.
For a sophisticated adult version, add a splash of sparkling water and muddle fresh basil leaves in the bottom of each glass. The herbal notes complement strawberry beautifully without overwhelming the classic flavor.
Preparation tip: Make your strawberry lemonade base slightly more concentrated (use only 3 cups of water instead of 4-5), then top individual glasses with sparkling water to taste.
Tropical Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Create an island-inspired twist by adding 1 cup of fresh pineapple juice or coconut water to your strawberry lemonade recipe. The tropical flavors create a vacation-worthy beverage perfect for summer poolside sipping.
Strawberry-mango version: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen mango chunks to your strawberry syrup while cooking. Strain as directed. The mango adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange-pink color.
Coconut twist: Replace one cup of water with full-fat coconut milk for a creamy, tropical strawberry lemonade recipe that’s like a drinkable dessert.
Herbal Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Infuse your strawberry lemonade recipe with fresh herbs for sophisticated, grown-up flavors. Add herb sprigs to the strawberry syrup while it simmers, then strain them out with the berries.
Basil: 6-8 fresh basil leaves create an Italian-inspired version with sweet, slightly peppery notes Mint: A handful of fresh mint leaves adds cooling refreshment perfect for hot days Lavender: 1-2 teaspoons of culinary lavender creates a floral, elegant variation (use sparingly as lavender can be overpowering) Thyme: 3-4 fresh thyme sprigs add subtle earthiness that’s unexpectedly delicious Rosemary: One 4-inch sprig provides piney, sophisticated flavor
Sugar-Free and Low-Sugar Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
For a healthier strawberry lemonade recipe, replace granulated sugar with:
Stevia or monk fruit sweetener: Follow package directions for sugar equivalency. Start with less than recommended and adjust upward, as these sweeteners can have a bitter aftertaste when overused.
Honey or agave nectar: Use 3/4 cup instead of 1 cup sugar. Add to warm strawberry syrup and stir until completely dissolved. These natural sweeteners add their own subtle flavors.
Dates: Blend 8-10 pitted Medjool dates with the strawberries and water before heating. This creates natural sweetness with added fiber, though the result will be less clear and more smoothie-like.
Reduce sugar gradually: Try making the recipe with 3/4 cup sugar, then 1/2 cup. Most people find they can reduce sugar by 25-50% and still enjoy the lemonade, especially when using sweet, ripe strawberries.
Strawberry Lemonade Recipe Variation Comparison Table
| Variation | Key Modifications | Flavor Profile | Best Occasion | Calories per Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic | Original recipe | Sweet-tart, fruity, refreshing | Any occasion, kid-friendly | 120 |
| Sparkling | Replace half water with club soda | Fizzy, lighter, elegant | Parties, brunches | 120 |
| Tropical Mango | Add 1 cup mango, reduce water | Sweet, exotic, fruity | Pool parties, luaus | 140 |
| Herbal Basil | Add 6-8 basil leaves to syrup | Sophisticated, slightly peppery | Adult gatherings, dinner parties | 120 |
| Coconut Cream | Add 1 cup coconut milk | Creamy, tropical, dessert-like | Summer dessert drink | 180 |
| Sugar-Free Stevia | Replace sugar with stevia | Tart-sweet, zero-sugar | Health-conscious events | 35 |
| Lavender Honey | Add lavender, use honey | Floral, elegant, subtly sweet | Bridal showers, tea parties | 130 |
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Complete your strawberry lemonade recipe experience with these perfectly paired accompaniments and presentation ideas.
Summer picnic pairings: This strawberry lemonade recipe is the ideal companion to grilled chicken sandwiches, pasta salad, fresh fruit platters, and light summer fare. The refreshing acidity cuts through rich foods while complementing fresh flavors.
Brunch beverage: Serve alongside quiche, fresh croissants, berry parfaits, and egg dishes for an elegant non-alcoholic brunch option that feels special and festive.
Kids’ party favorite: Pour into colorful cups with fun straws and let kids garnish their own drinks with strawberry slices and lemon wheels. It’s healthier than soda and feels like a treat.
Dessert pairing: This strawberry lemonade recipe pairs beautifully with vanilla cake, shortbread cookies, angel food cake, or lemon bars. The fruit-forward flavor complements (rather than competes with) delicate desserts.
Popsicle transformation: Pour your lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze for homemade frozen treats. Add small strawberry chunks before freezing for texture.
Party punch bowl: Triple the recipe and serve in a large punch bowl with a decorative ice ring made from lemonade and frozen strawberry slices. This creates a stunning centerpiece.
Afternoon refreshment: Enjoy with light afternoon snacks like cucumber sandwiches, cheese and crackers, or fresh berries for a sophisticated pick-me-up.
Mocktail base: Use this strawberry lemonade recipe as a base for creative mocktails by adding muddled fruit, herb garnishes, or flavored simple syrups.
Presentation tips from Olivia: Serve in mason jars with striped paper straws for rustic charm, or use stemmed glass goblets with sugar-rimmed edges for elegant occasions. The vibrant pink color needs little additional decoration – let the beverage be the star.
FAQs About Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
How long does homemade strawberry lemonade recipe last?
Properly stored in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator, your strawberry lemonade recipe stays fresh for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves during the first 24 hours as the strawberry and lemon flavors meld. After 5 days, the fresh fruit flavor begins to fade and the lemonade may develop off-flavors. Always smell and taste before serving if stored for more than 3 days.
Can I use frozen strawberries for this strawberry lemonade recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully in this strawberry lemonade recipe, especially during off-season months when fresh berries are expensive or flavorless. Use the same quantity (2 cups) and don’t bother thawing them first – add frozen berries directly to your saucepan. You may need to simmer an extra 2-3 minutes for them to break down completely. Frozen berries are picked at peak ripeness and often deliver better flavor than off-season fresh berries.
How can I make my strawberry lemonade recipe less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the strawberry syrup to 3/4 cup or even 1/2 cup, depending on the natural sweetness of your berries. You can also increase the lemon juice by 2-3 tablespoons for more tartness, or simply add more water to dilute the sweetness. Remember to taste and adjust gradually – you can always add more water or lemon juice, but you can’t remove sugar once it’s mixed in.
Is this strawberry lemonade recipe safe during pregnancy?
Yes, this strawberry lemonade recipe is completely safe for pregnant women when made with fresh, properly washed ingredients. There are no raw eggs, unpasteurized dairy, or other pregnancy-restricted ingredients. In fact, the vitamin C from lemons and strawberries is beneficial during pregnancy. The natural fruit sugars provide energy without artificial additives. Stay hydrated and enjoy!
Can I make strawberry lemonade recipe without cooking the strawberries?
While cooking creates the most intense flavor and best color extraction, you can make a raw version. Blend fresh strawberries until smooth, strain to remove seeds, then mix with lemon juice, sugar (dissolved in a bit of warm water first), and cold water. The flavor will be lighter and fresher but less concentrated. The cooked version has better shelf life (up to 5 days vs. 2-3 days for raw).
What’s the best way to sweeten strawberry lemonade recipe if it’s too tart?
Make a simple syrup by heating equal parts sugar and water until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool. Add this syrup gradually to your pitcher, stirring and tasting between additions. This method ensures the sugar dissolves completely (unlike adding granulated sugar to cold liquid) and allows you to control sweetness precisely.
Can I turn this strawberry lemonade recipe into ice cream or sorbet?
Yes! This lemonade makes excellent frozen desserts. For sorbet, pour the lemonade (made slightly sweeter and more concentrated) into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer directions. Without an ice cream maker, pour into a shallow pan, freeze for 30 minutes, then scrape with a fork every 30 minutes until completely frozen and fluffy (about 3-4 hours total).
Why is my strawberry lemonade recipe brown instead of pink?
This usually happens when strawberries are overcooked or oxidized. Simmer for only 8-10 minutes maximum – longer cooking can cause the bright red color to darken. Also, use fresh lemon juice immediately after squeezing, as oxidized lemon juice can darken the color. Choose ripe, red strawberries rather than underripe ones, which can create a muddy color when cooked.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe represents everything I love about simple, honest cooking taking a handful of quality ingredients and transforming them into something that brings pure joy. From my grandmother’s sun-drenched porch to your modern kitchen, this timeless beverage has refreshed countless summer afternoons.
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Strawberry Lemonade Recipe 5 Secrets to Perfect Sweet Tart Bliss
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe combines fresh strawberries with lemon juice and simple syrup for a naturally pink, refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (for syrup)
1 cup fresh lemon juice (from 6–8 lemons)
4–5 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
Ice for serving
Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Lemon wheels for garnish
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare strawberries by washing, hulling, and quartering.
2. Combine strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan.
3. Simmer 8-10 minutes, mashing gently to release juices.
4. Strain mixture to create smooth syrup.
5. Juice and strain lemons.
6. Combine syrup and lemon juice in a pitcher.
7. Add cold water to taste and stir.
8. Serve over ice and garnish with strawberry slices, lemon wheels, and mint.
Notes
Use ripe strawberries for best flavor.
Adjust sweetness with sugar to taste.
Syrup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serve chilled for maximum refreshment.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry lemonade recipe, summer drink, refreshing beverage
