If you’re searching for a refreshing twist on a classic summer drink, this Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is absolutely calling your name! Bursting with the bright, zesty flavors of fresh lemons and the sweet, fragrant goodness of ripe strawberries, it’s the perfect drink to cool you down and brighten your day. Trust me, once you try this homemade blend, you’ll never want store-bought lemonade again.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Super Fresh and Natural: You’re blending real strawberries and fresh lemon juice for a pure, vibrant flavor without any artificial stuff.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the sweetness or tartness with simple tweaks to suit your taste perfectly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a picnic, or just a sunny afternoon, this lemonade fits right in.
Quick to Make: You’ll have this summer favorite ready in just 15 minutes — no complicated steps or fancy equipment needed.

A clear glass pitcher filled with bright orange-red liquid, layered with small ice cubes floating on top and a few thin yellow lemon slices submerged near the surface. The pitcher has a sturdy handle on the right side and a wide spout. Around the pitcher, there are whole yellow lemons slightly out of focus, with a fresh red strawberry and a lemon slice placed on a white marbled surface in front of it. The colors look fresh and vibrant in natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Lemonade, homemade strawberry lemonade, refreshing summer drink, easy lemonade recipe, fruity lemon beverage

Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s keep it simple but brilliant. The key ingredients in this Strawberry Lemonade Recipe not only bring bold color and flavor but work together to create just the right balance of sweet, tart, and refreshing.

Flat lay of fresh ripe strawberries with stems removed, bright yellow lemons cut in halves and wedges, a small mound of granulated sugar crystals, a clear glass pitcher filled with deep red strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice droplets glistening, and a few sprigs of green mint leaves scattered around, all arranged beautifully on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Lemonade, homemade strawberry lemonade, refreshing summer drink, easy lemonade recipe, fruity lemon beverage

Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy berries for natural sweetness and gorgeous color. You can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available, just thaw and drain excess water.
Granulated Sugar: This is the base for your simple syrup, making everything smoothly sweet—feel free to swap in honey or agave syrup for a different twist.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always fresh for that bright citrus punch! Bottled lemon juice won’t deliver the same freshness but can be used in a pinch.
Water: Divided between making syrup and adjusting the final strength, water’s the unsung hero that brings it all together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Step 1: Puree the Strawberries

Start by tossing your fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor and blitz them until smooth and juicy. If you prefer your lemonade silky smooth, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds—this leaves you with a beautifully velvety strawberry base.

Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar with 2 cups of water. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve into a clear, glossy syrup. Once done, remove the syrup from heat and let it cool down to room temperature—this sweet elixir will perfectly balance the tart lemon juice later.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Pour fresh-squeezed lemon juice through a fine sieve into a 2-quart pitcher to catch any pulp or seeds. Add the cooled simple syrup and your fresh strawberry puree, then stir everything until perfectly combined. Pop it in the fridge to chill—you’ll want this lemonade icy cold before serving!

Step 4: Final Touch with Water and Taste

When you’re ready to serve, stir in 2 ½ cups of cold water to brighten the flavors and lighten the sweetness. Taste and adjust by adding more water if your lemonade feels too sugary. Serve over a tall glass of ice for the ultimate refreshing sip.

How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

A clear glass filled with a bright red-orange drink that has crushed ice filling the top half and some ice floating throughout. Inside the drink near the bottom is a thin slice of lemon peeking through the liquid. On the rim of the glass, there is a fresh whole strawberry with its green leaves and a small wedge of lemon resting beside it. The glass sits on a white marbled surface, with blurred strawberries and whole lemons in the soft background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Lemonade, homemade strawberry lemonade, refreshing summer drink, easy lemonade recipe, fruity lemon beverage

Garnishes

Top off your glass with thin lemon wheels or fresh strawberry slices for a charming, photogenic touch. A few sprigs of fresh mint or basil add a subtle herbal aroma that takes the experience up a notch and makes your drink feel as fancy as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This strawberry lemonade shines with light and fresh foods—think crunchy salads, grilled chicken skewers, or a platter of soft cheeses and crackers. It’s also a fabulous companion to classic picnic treats like finger sandwiches or even spicy tacos for a zesty balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving your lemonade in mason jars or colorful glass tumblers rimmed with sugar or finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Add fun paper straws or edible flower petals on top for a festive vibe that makes every sip feel like a celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pour any leftover strawberry lemonade into a covered pitcher or airtight container and store it in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it super convenient for quick refreshment anytime.

Freezing

This lemonade doesn’t freeze well as a drink because the texture changes and lemons get bitter when frozen. Instead, try freezing leftover strawberry puree in ice cube trays—perfect for adding fresh flavor chunks to drinks later on!

Reheating

This is a cold, refreshing beverage meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just make a fresh batch or chill stored lemonade before serving for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Lemonade Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great when fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid so your lemonade doesn’t get too watery.
How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

You can simply add more cold water to dilute the sweetness after mixing all ingredients. Tasting and adjusting right before serving ensures it’s perfectly balanced for your palate.
Is it necessary to strain the lemon juice and strawberry puree?

Straining is optional but recommended if you prefer a smooth, seed-free texture. It’s all about personal preference—some love the rustic feel with bits of pulp, while others opt for a silky sip.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can skip sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey, agave, or stevia. Keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the taste and texture slightly, so experiment to find your favorite version.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about sipping a glass of homemade strawberry lemonade on a warm day, and this recipe captures that feeling perfectly. Simple, fresh, and utterly delicious, it’s a drink you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead, give this Strawberry Lemonade Recipe a try—you deserve a little sunshine in a glass!

Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 50 reviews

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings (8 oz each) 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade made with fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and a simple sugar syrup. Perfect for a hot day, this vibrant drink is both sweet and tart with a natural fruit flavor that’s easy to prepare and serve chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberries

1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed

Simple Syrup

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water (for syrup)

Other Liquids

1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
2 1/2 to 3 cups cold water (to dilute)

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Instructions

Puree Strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. For a smoother drink, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, though this step is optional depending on your texture preference.
Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool to room temperature.
Combine Ingredients: Strain the fresh lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher to remove pulp and seeds. Add the cooled simple syrup and the pureed strawberries to the pitcher, then stir well to combine all the flavors.
Chill the Lemonade: Refrigerate the combined mixture until it is thoroughly chilled, which will enhance the flavors and make it refreshing to drink.
Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or dilution by adding more water if it’s too sweet. Serve over ice for a cool, refreshing beverage.

Notes

Straining the strawberry puree is optional but recommended for a smoother texture without seeds.
Adjust the amount of water added at the end to customize sweetness and tartness to your preference.
You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or a sugar substitute, but it may alter the final flavor slightly.
For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or rum.
Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for best freshness.