There’s nothing like a glass of homemade strawberry lemonade to lift your mood. With fresh strawberries and real lemon juice, it’s the perfect mix of tart and sweet. Whether it’s a hot afternoon or just a day that needs a little pick-me-up, you'll find yourself making a second batch sooner than you thought.
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.
Serve: Serve with mains, brunch favorites, or with fruits, cheese, or crackers.Store: Keep the lemonade chilled in the fridge without ice until you're ready to serve. Add ice to each glass or the pitcher right before pouring. Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator and will remain fresh for 5 days.Macros are calculated with sugar. Adjust if using a keto sweetener.