This Strawberry Lemonade is bright, sweet-tart, and bursting with real fruit flavor. You blend fresh strawberries into a quick puree, mix it with fresh lemon juice, and sweeten it just the way you like. It’s refreshing, vibrant, and honestly better than anything from a bottle.
Introduction
If you’ve ever sipped a store-bought lemonade and wished it tasted more fresh and fruity, you’re going to love this Strawberry Lemonade. It’s made with real strawberries and fresh lemon juice, so the flavor is bold and natural—not fake or syrupy.
The standout trick is blending the strawberries first, then straining if you want a smoother drink. That gives you a gorgeous color and a true strawberry taste. This Strawberry Lemonade is a warm-weather hero for cookouts, picnics, and easy weeknight sips.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade
- Super refreshing: Sweet-tart and icy cold, perfect for hot days.
- Better than store-bought: Real strawberries and real lemon juice shine.
- Easy to customize: Make it sweeter, more tangy, or extra fruity.
- Party-friendly pitcher: Great for gatherings and meal prep in the fridge.
- Kid-approved: Bright flavor and fun color make it a hit.
Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade
- Fresh strawberries: The main flavor and color; frozen berries work too (thaw first).
- Lemons: Fresh juice tastes brightest; bottled lemon juice works in a pinch.
- Honey or granulated sugar: Sweetens the lemonade; adjust to taste.
- Water: Use cold water; sparkling water is fun for bubbles.
- Ice: Keeps it extra cold.
- Optional garnish: Strawberry slices, lemon slices, fresh mint or basil.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
- 1. Blend strawberries with 1/2 cup water until smooth, about 30–45 seconds. If you want a smoother drink, strain through a fine mesh strainer.
- 2. Juice your lemons until you have about 3/4 cup lemon juice (more if you like it extra tangy).
- 3. Stir strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sweetener in a pitcher. Start with less sweetener—you can always add more.
- 4. Add cold water and stir again. Taste and adjust: more water for milder, more lemon for tang, more sweetener for balance.
- 5. Serve over lots of ice. Add fruit slices on top for that pretty, refreshing look.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Lemonade
- Taste as you go: Strawberries vary in sweetness, so adjust sweetener to match.
- Chill before serving: Cold lemonade tastes brighter and more refreshing.
- Strain for smooth: If you don’t love pulp, a quick strain helps.
- Use a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch can make the flavors pop (optional).
- Don’t skimp on ice: It keeps the drink crisp and cold.
Variations & Substitutions
- Strawberry limeade: Swap lemons for limes for a fun twist.
- Sparkling version: Use sparkling water for bubbles.
- Extra fruity: Add a handful of raspberries or a splash of cranberry juice.
- Lighter sweetener: Use honey or a low-calorie sweetener to taste.
- Slushy style: Blend with ice for a frozen drink.
Storing & Reheating
Store Strawberry Lemonade in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before serving, since the puree may settle. Add ice right before serving so it doesn’t get watery.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Serve with grilled foods, salads, or picnic sandwiches.
- Pair with cookies or a light cake for a simple dessert moment.
- Great for parties—set out a pitcher with extra ice and fruit slices.
- Make it for meal prep and keep it ready in the fridge.
Reader Review: “This Strawberry Lemonade tastes like summer in a glass. I love that I can control the sweetness, and the color is so pretty!”
Recipe Card
Strawberry Lemonade
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan (if using sugar)
Ingredients
- 4 cups strawberries, hulled
- 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup honey or granulated sugar, to taste
- 4 1/2 cups cold water (more to taste)
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: strawberry slices and lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Blend strawberries with 1/2 cup water until smooth. Strain if desired.
- 2. Add strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sweetener to a pitcher. Stir well.
- 3. Add remaining cold water and stir. Taste and adjust.
- 4. Serve over ice with fruit garnish.
If you make this Strawberry Lemonade, leave a rating and comment. Do you like it extra tart, extra sweet, or sparkling?