Who doesn’t love a cold, refreshing drink on a warm sunny day? One of my all time favorites to whip up is a classic strawberry lemonade. It’s vibrant, sweet, tangy, and perfect for family gatherings or just to sip on the porch while soaking up some sunshine. Plus, it’s super simple to make and can easily be adjusted to your personal taste. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Method
Prepare the Simple Syrup
To make the strawberry lemonade as refreshing and flavorful as possible, start by preparing a simple syrup. In a mixing bowl, combine one cup of hot water and one cup of granulated sugar. The hot water helps the sugar dissolve more quickly, resulting in a smooth and sweet base for the lemonade. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar has completely dissolved. You should no longer see any sugar granules at the bottom of the bowl. Be careful not to use boiling water, as it may cause the syrup to crystallize.
Blend the Strawberries
Once the syrup is ready, it’s time to incorporate the strawberries. Pour the syrup into a blender and add two cups of washed and diced strawberries. The goal is to create a smooth puree that will give the lemonade a vibrant pink hue and a burst of strawberry flavor. Blend the mixture at high speed until it reaches a smooth and uniform consistency. Depending on the power of your blender, this should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Be cautious not to blend for too long, as it can introduce too much air and create an overly frothy texture.
Combine the Lemonade Base
After blending, transfer the strawberry syrup to a large pitcher. Add four cups of cold water to the mixture. This dilutes the strong syrup, transforming it into a refreshing beverage. Next, add three-quarters of a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything well to ensure that the flavors are evenly combined.
Strain for a Smooth Texture (Optional)
If you prefer a smoother lemonade without any seeds or pulp, you can strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer. Simply pour the lemonade through the strainer into another pitcher or bowl, discarding the pulp and seeds. This step is entirely optional but recommended if you want a cleaner texture.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the strawberry lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling not only enhances the refreshing quality of the drink but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more balanced taste. Serve the lemonade over ice and, for an extra touch, garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry or a slice of lemon. Enjoy your homemade strawberry lemonade with family and friends! This strawberry lemonade pairs beautifully with light summer dishes like grilled chicken, salads, or even a slice of homemade berry pie. For an extra fancy touch, garnish your glasses with a fresh strawberry or a slice of lemon!
Necessary Tools
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Pitcher
- Strainer (optional)
- Wooden spoon
Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes5
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and diced
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup hot water
4 cups cold water
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Directions
- First, let’s start by making our simple syrup. Combine 1 cup of hot water and the cup of sugar in a mixing bowl. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Next, transfer the syrup to your blender. Add the diced strawberries and blend until smooth. This will give the lemonade a beautiful, vibrant pink color!
- Pour the blended mixture into a large pitcher. Add the 4 cups of cold water and the lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- If you’re not a fan of strawberry seeds, you can strain the mixture to get a smoother texture.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the hot water is not boiling when you mix it with sugar to avoid crystallization.
- Blending the mixture too long can cause frothiness. Just a quick pulse will do!
- Taste the lemonade before chilling. If it’s too tart, you can add a little more sugar or water to balance it out.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry lemonade pairs beautifully with light summer dishes like grilled chicken, salads, or even a slice of homemade berry pie. For an extra fancy touch, garnish your glasses with a fresh strawberry or a slice of lemon!
Fun Fact
Did you know that lemonade was first brought to America in the 17th century and became wildly popular during the Victorian era? Adding strawberries to the classic recipe only makes it even more irresistible!
Conclusion
There you have it, a simple, tasty, and crowd-pleasing strawberry lemonade! Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or just enjoying a lazy afternoon, this drink is sure to hit the spot. Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tartness to make it just right for you and your loved ones. Cheers!
