If you’re longing for a thirst-quencher that’s equal parts sweet, tart, and delightfully fresh, look no further than Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink. This homemade version bursts with juicy strawberries, zesty lemons, and just the right hint of sweetness, making it the perfect companion for picnics, backyard lounging, or any moment when you need a splash of sunshine in a glass. With simple ingredients and a quick prep, you’ll wonder why you ever bought lemonade from the store!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruits
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
Sweetener
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Liquids
- 4–5 cups cold water
For Serving
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices and strawberry halves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by placing your hulled and halved strawberries into a blender along with 1/2 cup of the cold water. Blend until completely smooth. This creates a luscious, ruby-red strawberry puree that’s the heart of our Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink.
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
If you prefer a silky-smooth lemonade, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. This step removes the seeds and pulp, leaving you with a vibrant, clear liquid that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Sugar
Now, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar directly to the pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved. This combination is where the magic happens—the sweet, tart, and fruity flavors come together in perfect harmony.
Step 4: Pour in the Remaining Water
Top off the pitcher with the remaining 4–4.5 cups of cold water. Stir everything together and take a quick taste. If you’d like it sweeter or more tart, feel free to adjust with a little extra sugar or lemon juice.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop your Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink into the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with lemon slices and strawberry halves for a touch of elegance.
How to Serve Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink
Garnishes
Dress up each glass with a wheel of lemon on the rim and a couple of strawberry halves floating on top. Not only does this add a splash of color, but it also infuses each sip with extra flavor and makes your Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink look absolutely irresistible.
Side Dishes
This lemonade is a natural match for summer favorites like grilled chicken, fresh salads, or a platter of finger sandwiches. Its sweet-tart profile also pairs beautifully with spicy dishes, acting as a cooling counterpoint that cleanses your palate between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or picnics, serve your Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink in mason jars, or pour it into a clear dispenser so the vibrant color shines through. Add fun paper straws, edible flowers, or even a splash of club soda for a sparkling twist that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any lemonade left after your gathering (which is rare!), simply cover the pitcher and refrigerate. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, so it’s still delicious up to three days later. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as some settling may occur.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink out of season, pour it into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. Frozen cubes are perfect for chilling drinks without watering them down, or you can thaw a batch for a taste of summer whenever you crave it.
Reheating
Since this is a cold beverage, there’s no need to reheat! If you’ve frozen the lemonade, simply let it thaw in the fridge or at room temperature. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are perfectly blended once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work beautifully. Just thaw them first so they blend easily, and you’ll still achieve that summery, fruity punch.
Is there a way to make this sugar-free?
Yes! You can substitute your favorite zero-calorie sweetener for the sugar, adjusting to taste. Keep in mind that some sweeteners dissolve differently, so stir well and taste as you go.
What’s the best way to juice lemons efficiently?
For maximum juice, roll the lemons firmly on the countertop before cutting and squeezing. Using a handheld citrus juicer or reamer makes the process quick and keeps seeds out of your drink.
Can I make a sparkling version?
Definitely! Just replace some or all of the cold water with chilled club soda right before serving. This fizzy option adds a fun twist and makes Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink even more festive.
How can I make this ahead for a party?
Prepare the lemonade up to a day in advance and refrigerate. For the freshest taste and presentation, add ice and garnishes just before serving. If making a big batch, keep extra cold water or club soda on hand to adjust the flavor and consistency as needed.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sipping on Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink when the sun is shining and you want something cool, fruity, and homemade. Give this recipe a try, share it with friends, and let every glass transport you to summertime happiness!
Print
Strawberry Lemonade: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus at least 30 minutes chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful and refreshing summer drink combining the sweet juiciness of fresh strawberries with the tangy zest of freshly squeezed lemons. This strawberry lemonade is easy to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for chilling on a hot day or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
Sweetener
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Liquids
- 4–5 cups cold water
For Serving
- Ice for serving
- Lemon slices and strawberry halves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries: In a blender, combine the hulled and halved strawberries with 1/2 cup of cold water. Blend until smooth to create a thick strawberry puree.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the blended strawberries through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove seeds and achieve a smoother texture.
- Add lemon juice and sugar: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar into the pitcher. Continue stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Combine with remaining water: Pour in the remaining 3.5 to 4.5 cups of cold water and stir well to mix everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Chill: Refrigerate the strawberry lemonade for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and to serve it cold.
- Serve: Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and strawberry halves if desired for an attractive presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- For a sparkling twist, substitute some or all of the water with club soda just before serving.
- You can prepare this lemonade ahead of time and store it refrigerated for up to 3 days without loss of flavor.
- Adjust the sugar to suit your sweetness preference or substitute with honey or a sugar alternative if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
