Quick Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
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Strawberry lemonade instantly brings those sunny, carefree vibes with every sip. With just five simple ingredients, you can blend up a pitcher of sweet and tangy refreshment in minutes. It’s bright, flavorful, and feels like a mini escape.
Tropical drinks always hit the spot in our house. The kids are all about ice-cold lemonade, and my husband and I love a good lemon drop martini from time to time. When someone’s feeling under the weather, we have immunity boost juice to turn to. Recently, strawberry lemonade has quickly become our all-time favorite.
It’s fruity, fresh, and perfect for everything from backyard cookouts to quiet afternoons on the porch. One glass and you’ll get why we can’t stop making it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only a 4 ingredients
- Quick to make
- Prep ahead: Make a full pitcher in advance and keep it chilled so it’s ready to go whenever you are.
- Fun to tweak: Mix in herbs like mint or basil, swap the water for something bubbly, or blend it into a frozen treat
- A fruity classic: Think old-school lemonade but with a berry-bright upgrade.
- Perfect party sipper: Add a splash of your favorite spirit and turn it into a fruity cocktail.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade hits different when you make it yourself. Real berries and fresh lemon juice come together in the best way with a flavor that’s sweet, tangy, and super refreshing. The prep is quick, and taking a few extra minutes for the simple syrup makes all the difference in flavor.
Want to give it a try? Scroll down for the full recipe with clear steps and measurements you can print and keep handy.
Ingredients You Need
- Sugar and water: The base; feel free to use your sweetener of choice. A granulated keto sweetener, stevia, or honey will work just as well!
- Lemon juice: Fresh is ideal. I usually go with Sunkist lemons, but any kind will work. Bottled juice is fine if that’s what you have, just know it might not have the same fresh aroma.
- Strawberries: The sweeter and juicier, the better. Fresh berries are ideal, but thawed frozen ones will work too.
- Cold water
Optional add-ins:
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Whole strawberries, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Step-By-Step Instructions
You don’t need fancy tools or barista skills to pull this off. With just five easy steps, you’ll go from plain lemons and berries to lemonade everyone asks for by name.
Step 1: Make the syrup
Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prep the strawberries and lemon juice
While the syrup cools, blend the strawberries with a splash of water until smooth. For a silky texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve. You can also leave it as is if you like a little pulp.
If you haven’t already, strain the lemon juice to remove seeds or excess pulp for a smoother lemonade.
Step 3: Mix
In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Give it a good stir to blend everything evenly.
Step 4: Adjust to taste
Take a quick taste. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice. Too tart? Add more water or a touch more sugar to balance it out just the way you like.
Step 5: Serve
Add ice to the pitcher or individual glasses. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a few lemon slices or whole strawberries for garnish. Serve cold and enjoy every sip.
Substitutions
- Lemon juice: Lime juice works well if you’re in the mood for a strawberry limeade instead.
- Strawberries: Use raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of summer berries for a different take.
- Cold water: Swap in sparkling water or club soda for a little fizz. Coconut water brings a light tropical feel, and a splash of rose water adds a delicate floral touch.
Expert Tips
- Frost your glasses: Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. It’s a simple way to keep your drink colder longer, especially on a hot day.
- Add more flavor: Toss in a few mint or basil leaves while blending for a fresh twist. A splash of vanilla can also warm things up and round out the flavor.
- Control the sweetness: Give it a taste before adding all the sugar. If your strawberries are super ripe, you might not need much. A little extra is fine if they’re on the tart side.
- Make a cocktail: Pour in a bit of vodka, rum, tequila, or champagne if you’re in the mood for something a little more fun and grown-up.
- Let it rest: Once it’s all mixed, give it some time in the fridge for about 30 minutes is great. It helps the flavors settle and come together in the best way.
- Keep it cold: Freeze a little of the lemonade in an ice tray and use those cubes instead of regular ice.
How to Store This Recipe
Leave out the ice and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. When it’s time to enjoy, simply add ice to the pitcher or pour over ice in individual glasses. Any leftovers can be kept in a covered pitcher or jar in the fridge and will stay fresh for 5-7 days.
What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade goes well with both light or heavy meals, from sandwiches to steak. It’s also a great match for brunch favorites, like waffles, muffins, or omelettes. For snacking, it goes well with fresh fruit, soft cheese, and crackers for a light and easy combo.
More Easy Refreshing Drinks To Try
- Hibiscus mint mocktail
- Healthy mint julep
- Blackberry smoothie
- Blueberry avocado smoothie
- Green smoothie
5-Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar optional or use a keto sweetener to be sugar-free
- 1 cup water for the syrup
- 1 cup lemon juice about 4-6 lemons freshly squeezed
- 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and halved
- 4 cups cold water to dilute
Optional Add-ins:
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Whole strawberries for garnish
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- While the syrup cools, blend the strawberries with a splash of water until smooth. For a silky texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve. You can also leave it as is if you like a little pulp.
- If you haven’t already, strain the lemon juice to remove seeds or excess pulp for a smoother lemonade.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Give it a good stir to blend everything evenly.
- Take a quick taste. If it’s too sweet, add a little more lemon juice. Too tart? Add more water or a touch more sugar to balance it out just the way you like.
- Add ice to the pitcher or individual glasses. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in a few lemon slices or whole strawberries for garnish. Serve cold and enjoy every sip.
Notes
- Pop your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring. It’s a simple way to keep your drink colder longer, especially on a hot day.
- Toss in a few mint or basil leaves while blending for a fresh twist. A splash of vanilla can also warm things up and round out the flavor.
- Pour in a bit of vodka, rum, tequila, or champagne if you’re in the mood for something a little more fun and grown-up.
- Freeze a little of the lemonade in an ice tray and use those cubes instead of regular ice.
Nutrition & Macros
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