Description
This Strawberry Lemonade recipe is the perfect refreshing summer drink, combining the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with tangy lemon juice. Sweetened just right and chilled to perfection, it’s an ideal thirst quencher for hot days. Whether for family gatherings or casual sipping, this homemade strawberry lemonade is easy to prepare and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8-10 lemons)
- Lemon slices and whole strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Sweetener
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
Liquids
- 8 cups water, divided
Other
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
- Hull the Strawberries: Remove the green leafy parts (hulls) from the strawberries carefully to prepare them for maceration.
- Combine Strawberries and Sugar: Place the hulled strawberries in a medium bowl and add 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing them together thoroughly.
- Macerate the Strawberries: Let the strawberry and sugar mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour, stirring occasionally. This process helps the strawberries release their juices and soften.
- Puree the Strawberry Mixture: Transfer the softened strawberry mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth for a vibrant puree.
- Strain the Puree (Optional): For a smoother lemonade, pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp, discarding the solids.
- Squeeze the Lemons: Squeeze fresh lemons to collect 1 ½ cups of lemon juice, making sure to remove any seeds that fall in.
- Combine Water and Lemon Juice: In a large pitcher, mix 6 cups of water with the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring well to combine.
- Add the Strawberry Puree: Pour the strawberry puree into the pitcher with the lemon water mixture and stir thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Sample the lemonade and add more sugar, a tablespoon or two at a time, until you achieve your desired sweetness.
- Add Remaining Water: Add the remaining 2 cups of water to the pitcher and stir well to dilute and balance the lemonade.
- Chill the Lemonade: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and serve cold.
- Serve and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled strawberry lemonade over the ice. Garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries if desired for a beautiful presentation.
Notes
- For a seedless lemonade, always strain the strawberry puree before mixing.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste or substitute sugar with honey or a sugar alternative if preferred.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the bright, natural flavor of the lemonade.
- This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add sparkling water instead of still for a fizzy strawberry lemonade twist.
