Description
A refreshing and vibrant homemade strawberry lemonade featuring fresh strawberries, tangy lemon juice, and a sweet simple syrup. Perfect for a summer drink or any occasion that calls for a cool, fruity beverage.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberries
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Lemonade
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 1/2 cups cold water, plus extra for adjusting sweetness
- 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 cups water (divided as per preparation steps)
Instructions
- Puree Strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. Optionally, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smoother texture.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to boil.
- Cool Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool the simple syrup to room temperature.
- Mix Lemonade Base: Strain the fresh lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher to remove pulp and seeds. Add the cooled simple syrup and strawberry puree into the pitcher and stir well to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade mixture until it is thoroughly cold, enhancing the flavors and refreshing quality.
- Adjust & Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the chilled mixture and stir. Taste the lemonade and add more cold water if you prefer a less sweet beverage. Serve over ice for the best refreshing experience.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree removes the seeds for a smoother drink but is optional depending on preference.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less cold water to suit your taste after mixing.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but may alter taste.
- For an extra refreshing twist, add fresh mint leaves or a splash of sparkling water before serving.
- Simple syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
