Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Introduction

Homemade strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and vibrant drink that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. Using fresh strawberries and lemons, this easy recipe delivers a delicious taste of summer that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound strawberries (washed and halved, about 3 cups)
• 1 lemon (washed and quartered)
• ½ to ¾ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
• 6 cups water
• Ice
• Strawberry slices (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)
• Fresh herbs (mint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, or basil, optional for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a blender, combine the halved strawberries, quartered lemon, honey or sugar, and 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth.
2. Step 2: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove pulp and seeds, pressing gently to extract as much juice as possible.
3. Step 3: Pour the remaining 4 cups of water through the strainer into the pitcher to catch any leftover solids and make the lemonade smooth.
4. Step 4: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed by adding more sweetener or lemon juice.
5. Step 5: Serve the strawberry lemonade over ice, garnished with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wheels, and your choice of fresh herbs.

Tips & Variations

• For a fizzy twist, replace half of the water with sparkling water.
• Blend with ice instead of adding it later to create a refreshing slushy.
• Try using lime instead of lemon for a tangier limeade version.
• Add other berries like raspberries or blueberries for mixed berry lemonade.
• Infuse with fresh basil or mint leaves while blending for an herbal note.
• Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze for a cooling summer treat.
• Add a splash of vodka, gin, or tequila for an adult cocktail version.

Storage

Store leftover strawberry lemonade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The color may darken slightly and the flavor might mellow over time. To freeze, pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers; stir well after thawing to recombine.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw them slightly to make blending easier. They can also give the drink a colder, slushier texture.

How do I make strawberry lemonade less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or sugar you add, or increase the amount of lemon juice for extra tartness. Taste and adjust gradually to find your preferred balance.

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

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4.4 from 185 reviews

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade is a fresh, fruity twist on classic lemonade with ripe strawberries and tangy lemons blended into a refreshing summer drink that is sweetened naturally with honey or sugar. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for hot days, backyard gatherings, or as a delightful mocktail base, offering a vibrant, refreshing flavor that captures the essence of sunshine in every glass.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound strawberries, washed and halved (about 3 cups)
• 1 lemon, washed and quartered
• ½ to ¾ cup honey or sugar, adjusted to taste
• 6 cups cold water

Optional Garnishes

• Ice
• Strawberry slices
• Lemon slices
• Fresh herbs (mint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, or basil)

Instructions

1. Blend the ingredients: Place the halved strawberries, quartered lemon, your chosen sweetener (honey or sugar), and 2 cups of water into a blender. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.
2. Strain the mixture: Pour the blended strawberry and lemon mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently on the pulp with a spoon or spatula to extract as much juice as possible, removing seeds and excess pulp for a smooth lemonade.
3. Add remaining water: Pour the remaining 4 cups of water through the same strainer into the pitcher to help extract additional flavor from any leftover solids and to dilute the lemonade to the preferred strength.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness: Sample the lemonade and add more honey or sugar if desired, stirring well to dissolve, or add extra lemon juice if you prefer more tartness.
5. Serve chilled: Fill glasses with ice, pour the strawberry lemonade over the ice, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wheels, and a few sprigs of fresh herbs such as mint or basil for an aromatic, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Use fresh, in-season strawberries for the best flavor and color.
• Blending the whole lemon with rind included enhances the citrus complexity but ensures your blender can handle the peel.
• Adjust the sweetener based on the natural sweetness of strawberries and personal taste preferences.
• For a sparkling variation, substitute half the water with sparkling water for a fizzy effect.
• Leftover lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container but may lose some brightness over time.
• Frozen strawberries can be used but should be thawed slightly before blending to ensure smooth texture.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or mint directly into the blender for an infused flavor.
• For a fun twist, freeze lemonade in popsicle molds to make refreshing summer popsicles.
• This recipe yields about 6 servings.

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, summer drink, fresh lemonade, strawberry recipe, refreshing drink, homemade lemonade