Ingredients
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water (for simple syrup)
3-4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Ice cubes, for serving
Lemon slices & strawberry slices (optional garnish)
Instructions
Make the Simple Syrup:
In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves completely. Let cool.
Blend the Strawberries:
Add strawberries to a blender and puree until smooth. Strain if you prefer a smoother texture.
Juice the Lemons:
Squeeze fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of juice. Remove seeds.
Mix the Lemonade:
In a large pitcher, combine strawberry puree, lemon juice, and cooled simple syrup.
Dilute & Chill:
Add 3–4 cups cold water, depending on desired strength. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve:
Pour over ice and garnish with lemon and strawberry slices.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor—bottled juice won’t taste as vibrant.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
- Chill thoroughly before serving for the most refreshing taste.
- For extra smooth lemonade, strain both the strawberry puree and lemon juice.
- Use cold filtered water for a cleaner flavor.
- Add ice just before serving to prevent dilution.
Variations
- Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: Replace some water with sparkling water.
- Low Sugar Version: Use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute.
- Mint Infused: Add fresh mint leaves for a cooling twist.
- Frozen Slushie: Blend with ice for a frozen treat.
- Alcoholic Version: Add vodka or tequila for a summer cocktail.
- Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry lemonade.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Muddle fresh basil for a gourmet touch.
- Pink Lemonade Shortcut: Use store-bought lemonade and mix with strawberry puree.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for simple syrup)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g