This homemade strawberry lemonade recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemons, resulting in a perfect citrus drink to cool you down.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 4-6 lemons)
1 cup granulated sugar
5 cups cold water
Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Whole strawberries (optional)
Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the strawberries become soft and the sugar dissolves, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Once cool, blend the strawberry mixture in a blender until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp. Set aside.
Make the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add 5 cups of cold water to the lemon juice mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the sugar is evenly distributed.
Combine and Serve: Pour the strawberry puree into the lemonade mixture, stirring thoroughly to blend the flavors. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness to your preference by adding more sugar or lemon juice if necessary. Serve over ice in tall glasses.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices, whole strawberries, and a sprig of mint for an added touch of elegance.