Description
A refreshing and sweet homemade strawberry lemonade made with fresh strawberries, tangy lemon juice, and a simple sugar syrup. Perfect for a hot day or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Puree
- 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
Simple Syrup
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
Other Ingredients
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups cold water (to adjust sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Puree strawberries: Use a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries until smooth. If desired, 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 the sugar and 2 cups of water. Stir continuously and bring to a boil.
- Dissolve sugar: Continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Combine ingredients: Strain the fresh lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. Add the cooled simple syrup and the pureed strawberries. Stir everything together well.
- Chill the lemonade: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill the mixture until cold, about 1 hour.
- Adjust sweetness and serve: Before serving, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir. Taste the lemonade, and if it’s too sweet, add more cold water to your preference. Serve over ice.
Notes
- To make the lemonade less sweet, gradually add cold water after mixing and taste as you go.
- Straining the strawberry puree is optional; leaving the seeds in adds texture but straining makes for a smoother drink.
- For a fizzy variation, substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch but may alter taste.
- Store leftover lemonade covered in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
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
