A Refreshing Blend of Real Strawberries, Lemon Juice, and a Hint of Sweetness
This Fresh Strawberry Lemonade tastes like sunshine in a glass. Bursting with sweet-tart flavor from real strawberries and freshly squeezed lemons, it’s the ultimate warm-weather refresher. Backyard BBQs, sunny day lounging, or just craving a sweet sip—this easy homemade drink is your ticket to instant summer fun.
Recipe Rundown
Right after college, I managed a Chick-fil-A and always loved making their lemonade—it was just so satisfying. For this version, I gave it a spring twist with fresh strawberries for a sweet, fruity upgrade. I prefer using sugar for that classic lemonade flavor, and I highly recommend straining the berries—makes it smoother and way more kid-friendly. Pair it with mini lemon shortbread cookies, strawberry yogurt dip with graham crackers, or a slice of berry pound cake for the full sunshine-snack effect.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep it up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge without the ice and add ice right before serving.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely. Thaw them first and blend as usual—just know the flavor may be slightly more concentrated.
Q: What’s the best sweetener to use?
Both honey and sugar work great! Honey adds a subtle floral flavor, while sugar gives a more classic lemonade taste.
Q: How do I make it fizzy?
Replace half of the cold water with sparkling water or lemon seltzer right before serving for a bubbly twist.
Sprinkle of Fun
Now that the weather’s heating up, this strawberry lemonade is your courtside MVP. Pour yourself a glass after a few rounds of pickleball and let the sweet-tart chill cool you down between serves. It’s the kind of drink that makes even a backyard rally feel like a summer vacation.
PrintStrawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves or lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Make the strawberry puree: Blend strawberries and honey (or sugar) in a blender until smooth.
- Strain (optional): If you prefer a smoother lemonade, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Mix it up: In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and cold water. Stir well.
- Chill and serve: Add ice and refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with fresh mint or lemon slices.
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