Description
This refreshing Strawberry Lemonade recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with tart lemon juice to create a perfect summer beverage. Sweetened with a simple syrup made from granulated sugar and water, it's easy to make and wonderfully thirst-quenching.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Puree
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Other Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cups cold water (divided: 1/2 cup for blending, 2 1/2 cups for serving)
- Ice, as needed for serving
Instructions
- Puree Strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. Optionally strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for a smoother texture.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and 2 cups water. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil. 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 pureed strawberries to the pitcher. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill the Lemonade: Refrigerate the mixture until it is cold, approximately 1 hour or until ready to serve.
- Prepare to Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the chilled lemonade mixture and stir. Taste the lemonade and if it is too sweet, gradually add more cold water to achieve your preferred taste.
- Serve: Pour the strawberry lemonade over ice in glasses and enjoy this refreshing homemade drink.
Notes
- Straining the strawberry puree removes seeds and provides a smoother lemonade, but it is optional if you prefer more texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup or water according to your taste preference.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or gin to make a delightful cocktail.
- This lemonade is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
- To make a sugar-free version, substitute the sugar with a suitable sweetener like stevia, but adjust quantity as sweetness varies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
