Description
A refreshing and vibrant homemade Strawberry Lemonade that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh lemons with the sweetness of ripe strawberries. This drink is made with a simple syrup base, fresh lemon juice, and strawberry puree, making it a perfect thirst-quencher for warm days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Simple Syrup
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water (for the syrup)
Strawberry Lemonade
- 1 cup lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
- Slices of lemon (for garnish)
- Whole strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the strawberries: While the syrup is cooling, blend the strawberries with a little water to create a smooth puree. You can strain this through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Juice the lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Adjust to taste: Taste your lemonade and if it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add more water or a bit more sugar, depending on your preference.
- Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher or to individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices, whole strawberries, and mint leaves if using. Serve cold.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar in the syrup based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Straining the strawberry puree and lemon juice results in a smoother texture but can be skipped for a more rustic drink.
- Add fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing flavor if desired.
- This lemonade is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
