Description
A refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade made with fresh strawberries, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a homemade simple syrup. This perfectly balanced beverage is sweet, tangy, and perfect for cooling off on a warm day.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit 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
- 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 seed-free texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve and discard the seeds.
- Make Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- Prepare Lemon Juice: Strain the fresh-squeezed lemon juice through a fine mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher to remove pulp and seeds.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled simple syrup and the pureed strawberries to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine all the components evenly. Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
- Adjust and Serve: When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water to the mixture and stir. Taste and add more cold water if the lemonade is too sweet or strong for your preference. Serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
Notes
- For a smoother lemonade, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds before adding to the mixture.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar according to your taste.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice may alter the taste.
- This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Add sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy variation.
