Description
This refreshing Strawberry Lemonade recipe combines fresh strawberries and tangy lemon juice with a sweet simple syrup, creating a perfect summer beverage that is both vibrant and thirst-quenching. Ideal for hot days, it’s easy to make and delightfully balanced between sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Puree
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Beverage
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water (divided: 2 1/2 cups plus additional to taste)
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries until smooth. If you prefer a seedless lemonade, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve and discard the seeds.
- Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Stir frequently until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the Lemon Juice: Strain the fresh-squeezed lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher to remove pulp and seeds for a smooth texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled simple syrup and the pureed strawberries to the lemon juice in the pitcher. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Refrigerate the mixture until it is cold, about 1 hour.
- Adjust and Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the chilled mixture and stir. Taste the lemonade and add more cold water if it is too sweet for your preference. Serve the lemonade over ice cubes for a refreshing drink.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree is optional; leaving it unstrained will result in a more textured and rustic lemonade.
- The simple syrup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet or more tart lemonade.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or gin.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor rather than bottled lemon juice.
- If strawberries are out of season, you may substitute with frozen strawberries that are fully thawed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
