Description
This refreshing Strawberry Lemonade recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with tart lemon juice and a homemade simple syrup. It’s perfect for a hot day or a casual gathering, offering a vibrant and flavorful twist on classic lemonade.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Puree
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Other
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 2 1/2 – 3 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Puree Strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if desired.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and 2 cups of water. Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Combine Ingredients: 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 the strawberry puree to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
- Chill the Mixture: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill until the lemonade is cold, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir. Taste the lemonade and add more water if it is too sweet for your preference. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Notes
- For a seedless lemonade, make sure to strain the strawberry puree thoroughly using a fine mesh sieve.
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste before heating the syrup.
- Fresh lemon juice is best for a bright, fresh flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
- Chill the lemonade well before serving to enhance the refreshing qualities of this drink.
- For an adult version, consider adding a splash of vodka or gin.
