Description
A refreshingly sweet and tangy homemade strawberry lemonade made with fresh strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a simple sugar syrup. Perfect for a cooling summer drink served over ice.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Puree
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Other
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water (divided as 2 1/2 cups and additional to taste)
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. For a seed-free drink, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: Strain the freshly squeezed lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. Add the cooled simple syrup and pureed strawberries. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
- Adjust Dilution Before Serving: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir thoroughly. Taste the lemonade and adjust by adding more cold water if it is too sweet for your preference.
- Serve: Pour the strawberry lemonade over ice cubes in glasses and enjoy immediately for a refreshing beverage.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree is optional but recommended for a smoother texture without seeds.
- You can substitute granulated sugar with honey or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.
- If lemons are not available, bottled lemon juice can be used but fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of water added at the end for your preferred sweetness and tartness balance.
- The lemonade can be made a day ahead; just add ice and water before serving to keep it fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
