Every sip of Fresh Strawberry Lemonade feels like capturing summer in a glass — tart, vibrant, and dazzlingly fresh. This homemade favorite sparkles with the sun-ripened essence of juicy strawberries and the bright zing of real lemon juice, all beautifully balanced with just the right touch of sweetness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking to brighten an ordinary afternoon, this thirst-quencher is a breeze to whip up and always earns rave reviews. It’s sunshine in a pitcher, ready to be shared!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Strawberry Puree:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
Garnish:
- Ice
- Lemon slices and strawberry slices
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by placing your hulled strawberries in a blender. Puree until totally smooth. For an extra silky lemonade, pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve to strain out the seeds — this step is optional, but makes for a refined, cafe-style sip.
Step 2: Mix the Lemonade Base
In your largest pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sugar. Give it a good stir, making sure the sugar fully dissolves. This is where the flavors start to meld and the magic happens — taste to get just the right balance!
Step 3: Add Cold Water
Pour in the cold water and stir again. The color will turn the prettiest shade of pink! Taste and tweak as you go: add a splash more lemon juice for extra pucker or another spoonful of sugar if you love it sweet.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with plenty of ice and pour in your beautiful Fresh Strawberry Lemonade. Top each serving with slices of lemon and strawberry if you like — they’re not just pretty, they signal all that fresh flavor inside.
Step 5: Enjoy Right Away
This lemonade is at its absolute best when served immediately, icy-cold and fresh. Invite friends, pour a glass, and savor the sunshine!
How to Serve Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Garnishes
A gorgeous garnish transforms Fresh Strawberry Lemonade from everyday to showstopper. Try thin lemon wheels, plump strawberry slices, or a few sprigs of fresh mint — all add color, fragrance, and that extra-special touch. For a party-worthy presentation, rim your glasses with a little sugar before filling for sparkling edges!
Side Dishes
This lemonade pairs perfectly with picnic favorites. Think crispy fried chicken, light sandwiches, or a big summer salad loaded with greens and fruit. Fresh Strawberry Lemonade also shines alongside grilled veggies, chips and dip, or buttery shortbread cookies for an afternoon treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve your lemonade in mason jars with colorful straws or pour into a punch bowl for gatherings. Freeze a few extra strawberry and lemon slices into your ice cubes for fruity bursts of flavor as they melt. Or for a sparkling version, swap part of the water for chilled club soda right before serving for lively bubbles and even more refreshment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade will keep its zing in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar to preserve those bright flavors. Give it a good stir before serving, as the fruit may settle a bit.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the strawberry puree on its own in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge, then proceed with the recipe for just-made flavors any time. Avoid freezing the mixed lemonade as the texture may be affected after thawing.
Reheating
Since this drink is best icy-cold, you won’t need to reheat. But if your lemonade’s been refrigerated, just add a little fresh ice before serving to bring back that frosty-cool thrill!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Fresh Strawberry Lemonade?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen strawberries first for the smoothest puree. They’re a great substitute when berries aren’t in season, and they still provide fantastic flavor and color.
How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
The sweetness is entirely adjustable. Start with less sugar, give it a taste, and add more as desired until it hits your perfect level of tart-and-sweet.
Is there a way to make Fresh Strawberry Lemonade sparkling?
Yes! Replace half of the water with chilled club soda right before serving, and you’ll create a fizzy, bubbly version that’s irresistible on warm days.
Can I make this drink ahead for a party?
Certainly. You can prepare the strawberry puree up to two days in advance, then mix with lemon juice, sugar, and water when it’s party time for ultimate freshness and color.
What’s the best way to strain out strawberry seeds?
Use a fine mesh sieve and a spoon or spatula to press the puree through. This removes nearly all seeds, leaving you with a super-smooth, almost velvety lemonade.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a celebration of sunshine and fruit — or just a break from the ordinary — give Fresh Strawberry Lemonade a try. It’s quick, adaptable, and guaranteed to make any day feel a little more special. Happy sipping!
Print
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer with this easy-to-make Fresh Strawberry Lemonade. Made with ripe strawberries, zesty lemons, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect drink to cool off on a hot day.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
Garnish:
- Ice
- Lemon slices and strawberry slices
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
- Make Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves. Add cold water and stir again.
- Adjust Taste: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve: Serve over ice, garnished with lemon and strawberry slices.
Notes
- For sparkling strawberry lemonade, replace 2 cups of the cold water with chilled club soda just before serving.
- You can make the strawberry puree ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
