If you’re looking for the ultimate thirst-quencher on a warm day, this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is going to change the way you think about homemade drinks! Vibrant, tangy, and bursting with the pure sweetness of ripe strawberries, every sip tastes like summer in a glass. With only a handful of ingredients and a speedy prep, you’ll never reach for the bottled stuff again once you whip up this refreshing classic at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice (plus more for serving)
For Garnish:
- lemon slices
- fresh mint leaves
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Strawberry Lemon Base
Combine the hulled strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and granulated sugar in your blender. This trio forms the heart of the Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe, creating a naturally sweet-tart base that will define the entire drink. Make sure to blend until completely smooth for the silkiest texture!
Step 2: Strain for Extra Smoothness
Next, pour the strawberry-lemon-sugar mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use a spoon or spatula to press the liquid through, leaving seeds and excess pulp behind in the strainer. This simple step ensures your lemonade is luxuriously smooth while still brimming with bold, fresh flavor.
Step 3: Add Water and Stir It Up
Pour the cold water into the pitcher and stir everything together until fully combined. This is where the magic happens: the concentrated base mellows out and the flavors harmonize beautifully. If you want to adjust the sweetness, now is the time to taste and add a little more sugar as needed.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Add ice to the pitcher and give it another good stir, then chill the Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This not only cools the drink through, but also helps the flavors meld together. When you’re ready to serve, pour over extra ice and get ready to bask in raves!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of elegance, top each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint. Not only do the garnishes add brightness and fragrance, but the contrast of green and yellow against the blush-pink lemonade truly dazzles.
Side Dishes
This Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is an all-star partner for classic picnic fare. Pair it with light sandwiches, a fruit salad, or crunchy vegetable platters. It’s also a fantastic companion for BBQ favorites like grilled chicken, burgers, or veggie skewers—anything you’d enjoy on a sunshiny day!
Creative Ways to Present
Why not make this drink the highlight of your next gathering? Serve it in a large mason jar dispenser, float in a handful of strawberry or lemon slices for a striking centerpiece, or offer it in fancy glasses for bridal showers or brunches. Freeze some strawberry purée in ice cube trays and pop them into drinks for a fun, flavorful twist that looks gorgeous as it melts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra, simply store your Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe in a tightly sealed pitcher in the refrigerator. It’ll stay deliciously fresh for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, as natural settling may occur.
Freezing
Strawberry lemonade is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays or silicone molds, freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. You can use them to chill future batches of lemonade, add flavor to sparkling water, or blend into homemade slushies.
Reheating
There’s no need to actually reheat this cool refresher, but if your lemonade has been chilled for a few days and the flavors seem a bit subdued, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and give it a quick stir. This helps bring the flavors back to life without losing any of its crisp refreshment.
FAQs
How can I make this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe less sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar added in the blending step or dilute your finished lemonade with extra water or ice. Taste as you go—fresh strawberries can vary a lot in sweetness.
Can I use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available?
Yes! Thawed frozen strawberries work well for this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe. Pat them dry to reduce excess water and expect a slightly softer (yet equally tasty) flavor.
How do I make this recipe sparkling?
For a fizzy twist, replace one or two cups of the water with chilled club soda or sparkling water just before serving. Pour gently and stir lightly to keep those bubbles dancing.
What’s the best way to juice lemons for this drink?
Roll whole lemons on the counter before cutting and juicing to break down the fibers and get the most juice. A citrus reamer or juicer is your best friend for extracting maximum flavor.
Can I double the Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Just double (or even triple) all ingredients and use a large pitcher or beverage dispenser. This drink scales up beautifully and is always a crowd favorite at parties and picnics.
Final Thoughts
Give this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe a try and treat yourself to a glass of pure sunshine. It’s refreshing, beautiful, and so easy to make you’ll want to pour everyone a glass. Friends and family will keep coming back for more—get ready to make this a new summer tradition!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
This Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is a delightful and refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh strawberries, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s a vibrant and flavorful beverage that’s sure to please.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice (plus more for serving)
For Garnish:
- lemon slices
- fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- In a blender, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Add the cold water and stir well to combine.
- Taste and adjust sweetness, adding more sugar if needed.
- Add ice and stir again.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh mint if desired.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp.
Notes
- For a sparkling twist, replace 1–2 cups of the water with club soda or sparkling water just before serving.
- You can also freeze strawberry purée in ice cube trays for extra flavor in each glass.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
