I absolutely love this strawberry lemonade recipe because it’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy, instantly transporting me to sunny summer days with just one refreshing sip. Plus, using freshly squeezed lemons and strawberries gives it that extra burst of natural flavor that I can feel good about enjoying.
I have a strong affection for the craft of producing freshly made strawberry lemonade, particularly in the warm months. This beverage, created from 1 cup of fresh strawberries and 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, is an elixir of vitamin C and antioxidants.
The sweet-tart balance between the strawberries and lemons is made even better with the addition of 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 4 cups of cold water. There’s something about enjoying a glass of this drink over ice, with a garnish of mint, that makes me feel like summer’s here.
Ingredients
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Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a blender, mix the fresh strawberries that have been hulled and sliced with 1/4 cup of cold water. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
2. Strawberry puree is poured through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove the seeds. A spoon is used to press the puree and extract as much juice as possible.
3. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pitcher that has the strained strawberry juice.
4. Mix in the granulated sugar until it has completely dissolved in the mixture.
5. Add the rest of the 3 3/4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir it all very well together.
6. Evaluate the lemonade for sweetness and add more sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved.
7. Place the lemonade in the fridge for a minimum of half an hour before serving, or until it achieves a desirable cold temperature.
8. To serve, add ice cubes to glasses and pour the deliciously chilled strawberry lemonade over the icy cubes.
9. Each glass should be garnished with fresh mint leaves, slices of strawberry, and slices of lemon, if you are using them.
10. Serve immediately for a refreshing drink, stirring gently.
Equipment Needed
1. Blender
2. Fine mesh sieve
3. Large pitcher
4. Spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Juicer (manual or electric)
9. Refrigerator
10. Glasses for serving
11. Ice cube tray (optional, for making ice cubes)
12. Spoon or stirrer for mixing
13. Garnishing tools (optional, for mint, strawberry, and lemon slices)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?A: The flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice is quite exquisite, but if you’re using lemon juice in a pinch, high-quality bottled lemon juice makes a pretty great substitute.
- Q: How can I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade?You can control the sweetness by adding in more or less sugar to suit your taste. Begin with 1/2 cup and add more if you desire.
- Q: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?A: You can indeed use strawberries that have been frozen. For easier blending, make sure to thaw them beforehand. Just remember that doing so might impart a little extra moisture to your mix.
- Q: How long will the strawberry lemonade last in the fridge?You should keep it in a covered container in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for around 3-4 days.
- Q: Is there a way to make this lemonade sugar-free?A: Certainly. You may use a sugar substitute such as stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Q: Can I add alcohol to make this an adult beverage?A: For an invigorating variation, why not add vodka or rum to taste to make it a truly delightful adult version?
Substitutions and Variations
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced – Substitute with 1 cup of raspberries or blackberries for a contrasting berry flavor.
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons) – For a more tart taste, you can replace it with lime juice.
3/4 cup granulated sugar – Replace with 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup to use a natural sweetener instead.
1 liter cool water – Substitute with 1 liter of sparkling water for a fizzy lemon drink.
For a garnish, fresh mint leaves (optional) – Basil leaves can be substituted for a unique herbal touch.
Pro Tips
1. Macerate the Strawberries: Before blending, try tossing the sliced strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and letting them sit for 15-20 minutes. This will enhance their natural sweetness and juiciness, making for a more flavorful puree.
2. Chill the Ingredients: To ensure your lemonade is extra refreshing, refrigerate the lemons and strawberries before making the lemonade. Using cold ingredients will help maintain the drink’s chill without relying solely on ice cubes.
3. Use a Microplane for Zest: Consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the mix when dissolving the sugar. The zest adds a fragrant and tangy dimension to the lemonade, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
4. Create a Simple Syrup: Dissolve the sugar in a small saucepan with 1/2 cup of water over medium heat to form a simple syrup. This ensures even sweetness and prevents any sugar granules from settling at the bottom of the pitcher.
5. Experiment with Herbs: While mint is a classic choice, consider experimenting with other fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a unique twist. Add a few leaves during blending or as garnish for an aromatic flair.
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
My favorite Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Blender
2. Fine mesh sieve
3. Large pitcher
4. Spoon
5. Measuring cups
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Juicer (manual or electric)
9. Refrigerator
10. Glasses for serving
11. Ice cube tray (optional, for making ice cubes)
12. Spoon or stirrer for mixing
13. Garnishing tools (optional, for mint, strawberry, and lemon slices)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, mix the fresh strawberries that have been hulled and sliced with 1/4 cup of cold water. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
2. Strawberry puree is poured through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove the seeds. A spoon is used to press the puree and extract as much juice as possible.
3. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pitcher that has the strained strawberry juice.
4. Mix in the granulated sugar until it has completely dissolved in the mixture.
5. Add the rest of the 3 3/4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir it all very well together.
6. Evaluate the lemonade for sweetness and add more sugar if desired, stirring until dissolved.
7. Place the lemonade in the fridge for a minimum of half an hour before serving, or until it achieves a desirable cold temperature.
8. To serve, add ice cubes to glasses and pour the deliciously chilled strawberry lemonade over the icy cubes.
9. Each glass should be garnished with fresh mint leaves, slices of strawberry, and slices of lemon, if you are using them.
10. Serve immediately for a refreshing drink, stirring gently.
