Sunshine in a glass — that’s exactly what this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe delivers! With plump, sweet strawberries, vibrant lemon juice, and just enough sugar to hit the perfect balance, this drink tastes like summer vacation in every sip. You’ll love how fast it comes together with simple ingredients, creating a brilliantly pink homemade lemonade that’s equally refreshing at backyard picnics or lazy afternoon snack breaks. It’s hands-down my favorite way to turn an ordinary day into a mini celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Fresh Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- lemon slices and strawberry halves for garnish (optional)
- fresh mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by tossing your hulled and halved strawberries into a blender, along with just one cup of water. Blend until you’re rewarded with a bright, smooth strawberry puree—it should smell amazing right away! The water helps blend the berries quickly into a pourable consistency.
Step 2: Strain for Silkiness
To keep your Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe perfectly smooth, pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press out as much liquid as you can, leaving seeds and thick pulp behind.
Step 3: Add the Lemon and Sugar
Now the magic happens! Pour fresh lemon juice and granulated sugar into the pitcher with your strained puree. Stir generously until the sugar dissolves completely—the last thing you want is a gritty sip!
Step 4: Mix in Cold Water
Pour the remaining three cups of cold water into your pitcher. Stir well to combine everything evenly. This is where you can sneak a spoon and taste, adding extra lemon juice or a little more sugar until you find the perfect balance for your Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe.
Step 5: Ice & Serve
Just before serving, add your ice cubes—about a cup is usually perfect, but more if it’s a particularly hot day or you like it extra chilly. Give everything one last gentle stir. Pour into glasses over fresh ice and get ready to wow your taste buds.
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
To make each glass as gorgeous as it is tasty, drop in a slice of lemon, a halved strawberry, or a sprig of fresh mint. Not only does this make your Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe feel extra special, but the scents and colors will make every sip even more tempting.
Side Dishes
Pair your lemonade with classic picnic or party treats like finger sandwiches, fresh fruit salads, or sweet scones. This zesty drink also loves to share the table with light grilled fare or a platter of fresh veggies and dip—perfect for laid-back gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your lemonade into mason jars with striped paper straws for rustic charm, or serve in a big glass pitcher studded with extra fruit slices for a festive centerpiece. If you’re feeling fancy, rim glasses with sugar or toss in berry-filled ice cubes for a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe in a covered pitcher or jar in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just give it a gentle stir if it settles—sometimes the strawberry can settle at the bottom, but a quick mix brings it back to perfection.
Freezing
For a cool twist, try freezing the strawberry puree in ice cube trays. You can use them to chill your lemonade without dilution or even blend them up for a slushy treat! You can also freeze the full lemonade in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
No need to reheat, but if your lemonade gets too cold from lots of ice, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take off the chill. For summer parties, serve straight from the fridge for maximum refreshment.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw them first so they blend smoothly. The flavor will still be wonderful, though the color might turn out slightly different—just as beautiful, promise!
How do I make my Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe sparkling?
Easy fix! Swap some or all of the water for chilled club soda. Pour the soda in at the very end (right before serving) to keep all those lovely bubbles intact.
Can I reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener?
Yes, adjust to your liking. Try honey, agave, or a sugar substitute in place of granulated sugar—just add gradually and taste as you go so you hit that sweet spot.
What’s the best way to juice lemons for this recipe?
Roll the lemons firmly on your counter before cutting and squeezing them—that helps release more juice. A handheld juicer or reamer can make quick work of even a big batch, and be sure to strain the juice to keep your lemonade seed-free.
Can I double or triple this recipe for a party?
Definitely! This Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is a crowd-pleaser, so simply scale up all the ingredients, blend in batches if needed, and serve in a big dispenser so guests can help themselves.
Final Thoughts
There’s just nothing quite as happy and inviting as a tall glass of this Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe. Let yourself get swept up by the flavor, whip up a batch, and share the summer vibes with someone you love—you’ll be surprised how quickly it disappears!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Cool off this summer with a refreshing Fresh Strawberry Lemonade. Made with fresh strawberries, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, this homemade lemonade is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or just relaxing in the sun.
Ingredients
For the Fresh Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- lemon slices and strawberry halves for garnish (optional)
- fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the Strawberries: In a blender, combine the strawberries and 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the Puree: Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp, pressing gently with a spoon.
- Add Lemon Juice and Sugar: Add the lemon juice and sugar to the pitcher and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Mix with Water: Stir in the remaining 3 cups of cold water and mix well.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon juice if needed.
- Serve: Add ice and stir again. Serve chilled over ice with optional garnishes like lemon slices, strawberry halves, or mint leaves.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace some of the water with club soda.
- You can also freeze the strawberry puree into ice cubes for a fun twist.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
