You won’t be able to get enough of this homemade strawberry lemonade recipe. Made with fresh lemons and a sweet strawberry simple syrup, this refreshing drink is perfect for your summer parties and get togethers.
I came up with this homemade strawberry lemonade recipe while trying to figure out a food menu for my daughter’s 2nd birthday party. Yes, I know, her birthday is in December. Why am I making a strawberry lemonade in the dead of winter?
Strawberry lemonade is my favorite drink and also her birthday was a Two Groovy theme, which called for bright colors and summer flavors (at least to me it made sense). And let’s be real, strawberry lemonade will forever be the “go-to” drink, am I right?
I love a fresh strawberry lemonade that is sweet, with no pulp and no seeds. I may be a bit extra, but its the truth. So, if you are looking for a “not too sweet” type of lemonade, I’m not your girl.
Ok, with that out the way, let’s get into it!
What Makes This The Best Strawberry Lemonade?
Strawberry Simple Syrup – I’d like to think this recipe is superior to many others. Instead of pureeing the strawberries and adding it to the lemon juice and simple syrup, I actually make a strawberry simple syrup.
I’m showing you how to make strawberry lemonade without a blender, so now you don’t have to wash one, you’re welcome. While you can get similar results either way, this strawberry simple syrup just hits different. Try it both ways and tell me that I’m lying.
What is simple syrup? Simple syrup is equal parts water and sugar heated until the sugar has dissolved. It is mainly used in drinks or for adding moisture to cakes.
Like I said, I like my lemonade sweet so feel free to reduce the amount of sugar, but if you like really sweet lemonade, just trust me on this!
Let me show how to make this easy homemade strawberry lemonade recipe.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Lemonade:
- Strawberries – Fresh is always best, but frozen strawberries work too (no need to thaw, just measure and add them to the pot).
- Lemons – If you want the best tasting homemade lemonade, do yourself a favor and buy a bag of fresh lemons.
- Sugar – Sugar will be needed for our simple syrup, which adds a nice sweetness to the lemonade.
- Water – Not all water is created equal, so I like to use purified or filtered bottled water in my lemonade. This isn’t necessary, but I think it just ensures that the flavor isn’t compromised with water from the tap.
Tools You May Need:
- Strainer
- Lemon Juicer
- Pitcher
How to Make Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Prepare your strawberries – wash and chop into smaller pieces.
- Add your strawberries, sugar and water (this doesn’t have to be the fancy water, sink water is just fine) in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup turns a nice, deep red color for about 15-20 minutes.
- Use the back of your spoon or spatula to smash the strawberries with the sugar and water.
- Remove the syrup from the heat, strain into a pitcher or bowl and allow it to cool down. Don’t press the strawberries against the strainer, just let it strain on its own. Pressing the strawberries will cause the syrup to become cloudy.
*Note: This recipe makes between 2-3 cups of simple syrup. If you’re worried about it being too sweet, start off with 1 cup at a time and adjust if needed.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
- Pour prepared strawberry simple syrup into a large pitcher.
- Using either a juicer or some elbow grease, juice the lemons and add into your pitcher of strawberry simple syrup.
- Lastly, pour in your water. You may adjust the amount of water to your liking, depending on how sweet you prefer your lemonade.
- Serve in a cup over ice and enjoy!
Video Tutorial: Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pink lemonade and strawberry lemonade?
Pink lemonade is regular lemonade with food coloring or other fruit juices, whereas strawberry lemonade is made with actual fresh strawberries, lemons and sugar.
Is it cheaper to buy lemonade or make it?
Store bough lemonade can run you anywhere between $2-$4 dollars depending on amount and brand. This homemade strawberry lemonade cost me about $7. While store bought is cheaper, the quality and amount you get out of making your own is worth it.
Can I make strawberry lemonade ahead of time?
Yes! Just store in a pitcher or container with a lid or saran wrap, without ice. You can keep in the fridge for up to a week.
How do I store just the strawberry simple syrup?
Because sugar is a preservative you can store the syrup in an air tight jar, in the fridge for up to a month. Just be sure to keep it chilled because sugar can also help breed bacteria.
Can I freeze homemade strawberry lemonade?
You can freeze the strawberry simple syrup and lemon juice together as a homemade concentrate in a freezer Ziploc bag or as ice cubes. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
How can I adjust the sweetness or tartness?
The sweetness comes from the sugar in the simple syrup and the tartness comes from the lemon juice. If you like a more tart, less sweet lemonade, adjust the amount of sugar you add to the simple syrup and/or increase the amount of lemon juice.
Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
A sweet and refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade, made with fresh squeezed lemons and a delicious strawberry simple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped (2 cups)
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water, for syrup
- 1 cup lemon juice (6-7 large lemons)
- 4 cups filtered water, for lemonade
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add your prepared strawberries, water and sugar.
- Bring the syrup to a boil and cook until the sugar has dissolved.
- Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the syrup turns a deep red color.
- Remove syrup and strain into a pitcher. Let it cool.
- While your simple syrup cools down, juice your lemons into a small bowl or cup.
- Once your syrup has cooled down, add your lemon juice to the pitcher.
- Next, pour in your water. Adjust the amount of water according to your desired strength. The more water, the less sweet.
- Serve in a cup over ice and enjoy!
Notes
*This recipe makes between 2-3 cups of simple syrup. If you're worried about it being too sweet, start off with 1 cup at a time and adjust if needed.
*When straining your syrup, don't press the strawberries against the strainer. Pressing the strawberries will cause the syrup to become cloudy.
*Alterations: make this a limeade, by switching out lemons for limes or make this a sparkling lemonade by using club soda instead of water or spike with a shot of vodka!
If you try this Strawberry Lemonade recipe make sure to leave a comment and rating. Also be sure to tag me in your creations on Instagram @itsavemartin !
xoxo, ave
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