Strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and vibrant drink that brings the best of two fruits—sweet strawberries and tart lemons—together in one delicious glass. Whether served at a summer picnic, backyard BBQ, or just a relaxing afternoon on the porch, this homemade beverage is a hit with both kids and adults.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Sweet and Tart Balance – The perfect harmony of juicy strawberries and zesty lemons.
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Naturally Refreshing – A cool drink ideal for hot summer days or any time you need a thirst-quencher.
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Customizable Sweetness – You control how sweet or tangy you want it.
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No Artificial Flavors – Made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to make homemade strawberry lemonade:
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1 pound (about 2 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled
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1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
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¾ to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
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4–5 cups cold water (divided)
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Ice cubes, for serving
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Lemon slices and strawberry halves (optional, for garnish)
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Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 5 minutes (for simple syrup, optional)
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Total Time: 15–20 minutes
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Servings: 6–8 cups (approximately 4–5 servings)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Lemonade
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree
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Add hulled strawberries and 1 cup of water to a blender.
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Blend until completely smooth.
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For a smoother lemonade, strain the puree using a fine mesh sieve. This step is optional if you like pulp.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons
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Roll lemons on the counter to release juices.
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Cut and juice them using a citrus squeezer.
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Remove any seeds if needed.
Step 3: Mix Lemon Juice and Sugar
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In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice and sugar.
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Stir until the sugar fully dissolves. If needed, warm a little water to help dissolve the sugar.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
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Add the strawberry puree to the pitcher.
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Pour in the remaining cold water.
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Stir well and taste. Adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
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Refrigerate the strawberry lemonade for at least 1 hour.
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Serve over ice with optional lemon slices, strawberries, or mint for garnish.
How to Make a Simple Syrup (Optional)
Using simple syrup ensures that sugar dissolves completely:
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Combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a saucepan.
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Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
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Cool before adding to your lemonade mixture.
Variations to Try
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Replace some or all of the cold water with club soda or sparkling water for a bubbly twist.
Strawberry Mint Lemonade
Add crushed mint leaves while making the lemonade for an herby, refreshing flavor.
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Blend ice with the strawberry puree and lemon juice mixture for a slushie-style drink.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Substitute mint with fresh basil for a sophisticated herbal touch.
Honey or Maple Syrup Substitute
Instead of sugar, sweeten with honey or maple syrup for a more natural option.
Best Tips for Making Strawberry Lemonade
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh lemons and ripe strawberries make a huge difference in flavor.
2. Adjust to Taste
Start with less sugar and increase gradually depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and lemons.
3. Serve Chilled
Cold lemonade is always more refreshing. Chill well or serve over lots of ice.
4. Double the Batch
It disappears quickly at gatherings. Make extra for parties, picnics, or BBQs.
5. Add Garnish
Floating lemon slices, strawberries, or mint leaves enhance the visual appeal.
What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade pairs well with light meals, snacks, or desserts. Here are some great ideas:
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Grilled Chicken or BBQ Ribs
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Cheese Sandwiches or Sliders
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Fruit Salad or Green Salad
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Cupcakes, Brownies, or Lemon Bars
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Chips and Salsa or Guacamole
Make-Ahead and Storage
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes! Strawberry lemonade can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
How Long Does It Last?
Store in a sealed pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Lemonade?
Yes! Freeze it in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun summer treat.
Strawberry Lemonade for a Crowd
Planning a party? Easily scale the recipe up:
For 1 gallon:
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4 lbs strawberries
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2 cups lemon juice
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2½–3 cups sugar
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10–12 cups water
Use a large beverage dispenser and float lemon slices and strawberry halves for a beautiful presentation.
Strawberry Lemonade for Kids
Skip any fancy herbs or garnishes and serve it in fun cups with straws or mini umbrellas. You can also turn it into popsicles by pouring into molds and freezing for 6–8 hours.
Strawberry Lemonade Cocktails (Adults Only)
Strawberry Lemonade Vodka Cocktail
Add 1–2 oz vodka per serving. Mix well and serve over ice.
Strawberry Lemonade Mojito
Add white rum, mint leaves, and club soda for a mojito-style drink.
Rosé Strawberry Lemonade
Combine equal parts lemonade and chilled rosé wine for a fruity summer sangria.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them before blending. They work well and are a great off-season option.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use less sugar or balance it out with extra lemon juice and more water.
Is this drink vegan?
Yes, as long as you use granulated sugar (or plant-based sweeteners), it’s completely vegan.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
How do I make this lemonade pinker?
Use very ripe strawberries and add a splash of beet juice or cranberry juice for a richer hue.
Conclusion
Strawberry lemonade is more than just a drink—it’s an experience. With its cheerful color, bright citrus flavor, and natural sweetness, this homemade beverage brings joy to any table. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, sipping it by the pool, or preparing a refreshing drink for guests, this strawberry lemonade recipe is easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.