Jen
Is there anything more refreshing than a cold glass of lemonade on a warm, sunny day? Actually, there is — a glass of strawberry lemonade! Bursting with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the bright tartness of fresh lemons, this homemade strawberry lemonade is the ultimate thirst-quencher.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, planning a summer picnic, or simply lounging in the sun with a good book, this easy strawberry lemonade will make every moment feel a little bit sweeter. And the best part? It’s simple to make with just a handful of ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Let’s dive into this beautiful, vibrant recipe that’s guaranteed to become a summertime favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade
- Naturally sweet and fruity: Real strawberries bring a natural sweetness and a gorgeous pink hue.
- Simple ingredients: No strange additives or artificial flavors — just fresh, wholesome goodness.
- Perfect for any occasion: Parties, picnics, lazy afternoons, you name it.
- Easily customizable: Adjust the sweetness, add herbs, or even make it a cocktail!
Once you taste how fresh and delicious homemade lemonade can be, you’ll never go back to the store-bought stuff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few simple ingredients to create the magic:
For the Strawberry Syrup:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 5–6 lemons)
- 4–5 cups cold water (depending on how strong you like it)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Strawberry slices and lemon rounds, for garnish (optional)
- Fresh mint, for garnish (optional)
Tip: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries (thawed) work beautifully too!
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade – Step-by-Step
1. Make the Strawberry Syrup
- In a medium saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries are soft and have released their juices.
- Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Pour the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or large measuring cup, pressing gently on the solids to extract all the flavorful juice. Discard the strawberry pulp (or save it for a yogurt topping!).
2. Juice the Lemons
While your syrup cools, juice your lemons. Roll them on the countertop first — it helps release more juice! Strain the lemon juice to remove seeds and excessive pulp for a smooth lemonade.
3. Mix the Lemonade
In a large pitcher, combine:
- The strained strawberry syrup
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups of cold water
Stir everything together. Taste and adjust as needed:
- Too strong? Add more water.
- Too tart? Add a little more sugar or a touch of honey.
- Too sweet? A splash more lemon juice fixes that.
4. Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. When ready to serve, pour over ice and garnish with extra strawberry slices, lemon rounds, and mint sprigs for a pretty presentation.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Lemonade
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries: The better your berries, the better your lemonade will taste.
- Fresh lemon juice is a must: Bottled lemon juice doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor.
- Adjust to your taste: Everyone’s preference is different. Don’t be afraid to tweak the sweetness or tartness.
- Make it ahead: The flavors actually improve after a few hours in the fridge!
Variations and Fun Twists
Want to get a little creative? Try one of these fun twists:
- Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: Replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy version.
- Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Blend the finished lemonade with ice for a slushy treat — perfect for especially hot days.
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Add a few fresh basil leaves while making the strawberry syrup for a subtle herbal flavor.
- Adult Strawberry Lemonade: Add a splash of vodka, rum, or tequila for a summer cocktail.
- Mixed Berry Lemonade: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a berry bonanza!
How to Store Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store it in a sealed pitcher or jar. Before serving, give it a quick stir as the strawberry syrup can settle at the bottom.
If you want to prep ahead for parties, you can make the strawberry syrup in advance and refrigerate it separately. Just mix with lemon juice and water when you’re ready to serve!
Freezing Tip: You can also freeze leftover lemonade into ice cubes for flavor-packed additions to water or tea later.
A Summer Drink You’ll Make Again and Again
There’s something truly special about making your own lemonade from scratch — it’s simple, satisfying, and tastes infinitely better than anything from a bottle. And when you add the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries, it becomes pure summer magic.
Whether you’re making a single pitcher for your family or a big batch for a crowd, this homemade strawberry lemonade is guaranteed to impress. It’s bright, beautiful, and — best of all — ridiculously refreshing.
Go ahead and treat yourself to a glass (or two). You deserve it! 🍓🍋
Have you tried this homemade strawberry lemonade?
We’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag us on social media with your beautiful lemonade photos. Cheers to sweet, sunny days!
