How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Lemonade at Home (Easy)
There’s nothing like a large glass of chilled, homemade lemonade on a warm day—especially if it’s the perfect blend of fresh lemons and sugared strawberry syrup. This sweet strawberry lemonade is easy to make and tastes way better than anything you can buy. It’s the perfect drink to add a bit of sunshine to any event—be it a summer BBQ, a pool day, or just winding down after a busy day.
The cool part? You don’t need special tools or complicated steps—no need to blend or strain. Just boil, mash, and mix! Believe me, after just one taste, you’ll always want a jug of this strawberry recipe ready throughout the summer. And it looks really pretty with slices of strawberry and lemon floating in it.
Perfectly Sweet Strawberry Lemonade
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Fork or potato masher
- Pitcher
- Measuring cups
- Citrus juicer
- Ice cube tray
- stirring spoon
Ingredients
Strawberry Syrup
- 1 cup sliced strawberries (frozen is perfect!)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
To Make the Lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 3 cups water (for mixing)
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Instructions
- Make the strawberry syrup. Combine the strawberries, sugar, and ½ cup of water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, gently mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher. Simmer for 1-3 minutes until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
- Mix and chill. Pour the strawberry syrup (including the mashed fruit) into a pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice and 3 cups of water, stirring to combine. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Serve. Serve the lemonade over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a strawberry slice if desired.
I usually make this simple and sweet drink perfect for summer. I use fresh lemon juice for that unmistakable lemonade sharpness, and the strawberry syrup adds perfect sweetness. It’s my go-to for any summer event, a relaxing day by the pool, or to cool off after a day in the heat. I like to add fresh strawberries and lemon slices as a garnish for that extra special touch. If you’re a fan of classic lemonade, you’ll love this old-fashioned lemonade recipe.
I think you’re going to love it as much as I do.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are some key tools and ingredients to make a delicious lemonade. Each item is important in the recipe, so don’t skip them!
- Fresh lemons: The zesty kick of fresh lemon juice makes this lemonade shine. Bottled juice doesn’t compare, so stick with fresh lemons for the yummiest flavor.
- Fresh strawberries: Don’t worry if you can’t get fresh strawberries; frozen ones work just as well. They’re easy to find and often cheaper when strawberries aren’t in season.
- Sugar: Plain old granulated sugar is what you need for that classic taste. If you’re looking for a more natural sweetener, honey or agave syrup are good options, though they’ll tweak the taste and feel.
- Water: You’ll need water for the syrup and to mix everything. Try sparkling water to add some fizz to your lemonade for a fun twist.
- Citrus juicer: A juicer is super helpful for squeezing every last drop of your lemons. It’s way faster and easier than doing it by hand, especially if you need a lot of juice. If you’re wondering about substituting lemon juice with other acids, like citric or ascorbic acid, here’s a helpful resource on substituting acids in recipes.
- Fine mesh strainer: To get a smooth lemonade without any strawberry bits or lemon pulp, use a fine mesh strainer. It’ll catch any seeds or chunks, leaving your drink nice and silky.
- Smoothie straws: If you’re keeping the bits of strawberry in your lemonade, smoothie straws are great. They’re wide enough to let you enjoy those tasty fruit pieces while sipping.
With these tools and ingredients ready, you can make some amazing drinks!
Troubleshooting and Help
No problem! You can strain the strawberry syrup after it’s done simmering. A fine mesh strainer will do the trick. This way, you’ll get all the strawberry flavor without the pulp or seeds in your drink.
It’s easy to adjust! If you want it less sweet, reduce the sugar or add more lemon juice. You can increase the lemon juice or cut back on the sugar for a more tart lemonade. Always taste as you go, so it’s perfect for your preference.
No worries! You can use the back of a large spoon or a fork to mash the strawberries while simmering. The key is to break them down enough to release all the juices, so anything that helps will work.
Yes, this lemonade makes a great base for a cocktail! A splash of vodka, rum, or gin can turn this into a fun adult drink. Just be sure to adjust the quantity depending on your crowd, and maybe label it if you’re serving kids, too! If you’re looking for a lemonade that’s as pretty as it is delicious, try my Pink Lemonade recipe. It’s a fun twist on the classic, perfect for parties or just when you want a pop of color.
No problem! You can squeeze the lemons by hand. Roll them on the counter first to help loosen the juice, then cut them in half and squeeze them over a bowl or measuring cup. You can also use a fork to twist inside the lemon halves to get more juice out.
Yes! You can make the strawberry syrup up to a day or two in advance and keep it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, mix it with the lemon juice and water. This makes it super easy to prep for a party or picnic. If you love fruity variations, you might also enjoy my Blackberry Lemonade, which brings a delicious twist to fresh blackberries. It’s another perfect summer drink to keep on hand.
I really hope you have fun making this really lemonade like I do. It’s a simple recipe that works great for everything from BBQs in the backyard to chilling by the pool. You can keep it classic or add your own twist to it; either way, it will be a big hit with your family and friends.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.