Description
Strawberry Lemonade is the ultimate refreshing summer drink that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tangy zest of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for hot days, offering a delightful balance of fruity and citrus flavors. Made with simple ingredients and no cooking required, it’s a healthy, vegan-friendly option that can be enjoyed immediately or chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1–2 cups ice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh strawberries for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Blend Strawberries and Lemon Juice: In a blender, combine the hulled and halved fresh strawberries with the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended strawberry and lemon mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use a spoon or spatula to press the pulp, ensuring you extract as much juice as possible while separating out seeds and fibrous material.
- Add Sugar and Water: Stir the granulated sugar into the strained juice until it completely dissolves. Then, add the cold water and mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the lemonade and add more sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled. Alternatively, serve immediately poured over 1 to 2 cups of ice for a refreshing experience.
- Garnish: Add lemon slices, fresh strawberries, and optional fresh mint leaves for an attractive presentation and an extra refreshing touch.
Notes
- For a sparkling variation, replace part of the cold water with club soda or sparkling water to add fizz.
- Freeze some of the strawberry lemonade in ice cube trays to create fruity ice cubes that keep the drink cold without diluting the flavor.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of strawberries and personal taste preference.
