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)
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.
