Description
This refreshing homemade Strawberry Lemonade combines fresh strawberries and lemon juice with a touch of sweetness and cold water to create a perfect summer drink. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this beverage is ideal for cooling down on a warm day and can be served immediately or chilled.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4-6 lemons)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
Sweetener
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Others
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions
- Wash Strawberries: Wash the fresh strawberries thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Remove Tops: Remove the green tops of the strawberries by cutting off the stems.
- Blend Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor.
- Puree Strawberries: Blend the strawberries until they become a smooth puree, with no large pieces remaining.
- Strain Puree: Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, using a spoon to help push the liquid through.
- Discard Pulp: Discard any remaining pulp left in the strainer.
- Extract Lemon Juice: Cut the lemons in half and squeeze the juice from each half into a separate bowl.
- Remove Seeds: Make sure to remove any seeds from the lemon juice as you squeeze them.
- Add Lemon Juice: Add the fresh lemon juice to the pitcher with the strawberry puree.
- Add Sugar: Pour in the granulated sugar to the pitcher with the strawberry and lemon mixture.
- Mix Sugar: Stir the mixture thoroughly with a spoon until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Water: Pour the cold water into the pitcher and stir again to combine everything evenly.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the lemonade and add more sugar if you’d like it sweeter, stirring until it dissolves.
- Prepare Glasses: Fill glasses with ice cubes to chill them.
- Serve Drink: Pour the strawberry lemonade into the glasses, filling them to the top.
- Garnish: Garnish the drinks by adding a slice of lemon to the rim of each glass.
- Storage: Serve the strawberry lemonade immediately, or store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a smoother lemonade, ensure the strawberry puree is strained well to remove seeds and pulp.
- Adjust sugar according to your sweetness preference or substitute with honey or agave syrup if desired.
- Make sure to chill the lemonade well before serving for the best refreshing experience.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
