Description
This Strawberry Lemonade recipe is the ultimate refreshing summer drink, bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the tangy zest of freshly squeezed lemons. Perfect for hot days, this easy homemade lemonade combines fruity puree and citrus juice for a bright, flavorful beverage that can be customized to your preferred sweetness level.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Juice
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 ½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 8-10 lemons)
Sweetener
- 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more to taste
Liquids
- 8 cups water, divided
For Serving
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Lemon slices and whole strawberries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Hull the Strawberries: Remove the green leafy parts (hulls) from the strawberries carefully to prepare them for maceration.
- Combine Strawberries and Sugar: In a medium bowl, mix the hulled strawberries with 1 cup of granulated sugar, ensuring the strawberries are well coated.
- Macerate the Strawberries: Let the strawberry and sugar mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, up to one hour, stirring occasionally. This process allows the strawberries to release their natural juices and soften.
- Puree the Strawberry Mixture: Transfer the softened strawberries and their juices into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth for a rich strawberry puree.
- Strain the Puree (Optional): For a smoother texture, pass the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Discard any solids left behind.
- Squeeze the Lemons: Extract juice from 8-10 lemons to yield about 1 ½ cups of fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds to avoid bitterness.
- Combine Water and Lemon Juice: Pour 6 cups of water into a large pitcher and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined.
- Add the Strawberry Puree: Pour the strawberry puree into the lemonade base in the pitcher. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Sample the lemonade and add additional sugar in tablespoons if more sweetness is desired. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Remaining Water: Add the final 2 cups of water to the pitcher and mix well to dilute to your preferred consistency.
- Chill the Lemonade: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill. Ideally, chill for 1-2 hours.
- Serve and Garnish: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry lemonade over them. Garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries for a festive and refreshing presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother lemonade, be sure to strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds and pulp.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding sugar gradually after combining all ingredients.
- Use fully ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
- Chilling the lemonade for a longer period enhances the melding of flavors.
- For an adult version, add a splash of vodka or gin for a refreshing cocktail twist.
