5-Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
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Get ready to sip on sunshine with this easy strawberry lemonade! With 5 simple ingredients, you’re about to experience a whirlwind of sweet and tangy goodness that will have you feeling like you’re lounging by the pool, no matter the season. Make a pitcher in just 10 minutes, and watch it disappear even quicker!
Don’t you just love drinks with a tropical twist? They’re so incredibly refreshing, and you get to enjoy summer vibes year-round with just a sip. My kids often request Bahama Mama tropical smoothie and my husband and I enjoy an electric lemonade from time to time. Recently added to the list is strawberry lemonade, a refresher that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s loaded with sweet strawberries and tangy lemons, the perfect drink for a backyard BBQ, a poolside party, a romantic picnic, or when you need a fruity pick-me-up any time of the day. This recipe will be your go-to for a sip that’s as sweet as it is satisfying – try an ice-cold glass today and you’ll see what I’m talking about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy as can be: This drink comes together in a snap, perfect as a quick refreshment or for spontaneous gatherings. It’s perfect for family meal times, too!
- Minimal ingredients: Simple, fresh, and easy to make with everyday ingredients. All you need are fresh strawberries, lemon juice, water, and sugar.
- A classic favorite: A fun twist on traditional lemonade, combining the timeless tartness of lemons with the natural sweetness of strawberries.
- Great mixer: Pairs perfectly with spirits like vodka or tequila for a fun adult twist out of your summer bar cart.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep a batch in advance and keep it chilled for an easy grab-and-go drink.
- Endlessly customizable: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil, mix in sparkling water for fizz, or turn it into a frozen slushie.
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
If you love lemonade, adding fresh strawberries is the most delicious way to take it to the next level! The sweet, juicy berries balance the tartness of the lemons, creating a fusion of flavors that’s guaranteed to brighten your day.
Prep time is only 5 mins, and while making the simple sugar takes a little longer, it’s a must to make the drink even more delicious! Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Sugar and water: The ingredients to make the simple syrup, which is the foundation of any great lemonade.
- Lemon juice: The star ingredient! I like to use Sunkist lemons but any kind will do. Freshly-squeezed lemon juice works best, but you can use bottled if that’s what’s available – just note that it may lack the same aroma and vibrance.
- Strawberries: Use the sweetest, juiciest ones you can find! Strawberries give the lemonade that gorgeous pink hue. Fresh is best and recommended, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch or if they’re not in season – just make sure to thaw them first.
- Cold water: Used to dilute and balance the flavors to make sure that the lemonade isn’t too concentrated.
Optional add-ins:
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Whole strawberries, for garnish
- Ice cubes
Step-By-Step Instructions
It only takes 4 simple steps to make the perfect sweet-tart strawberry lemonade. Follow the instructions below and you can’t go wrong.
Step 1: Make the simple syrup
Make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
Step 2: Puree the strawberry and prep the lemon
While the syrup is cooling, blend the strawberries with enough water to make a smooth puree. Strain this through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave as is for some thickness.
Likewise, if you haven’t already, strain the lemon juice to remove any seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade.
Step 3: Mix
Mix the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water in a large pitcher. Stir well.
Step 4: Adjust
Taste the lemonade and adjust if it’s too sweet by adding more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add more water or a bit more sugar, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Serve with added ice cubes in the pitcher or in individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries if using. Best served cold.
Substitutions
This strawberry lemonade uses the easiest, simplest ingredients, but if you happen not to have some on hand or prefer to use an alternative, here are my recommended substitutions:
- Sugar and water: Swap sugar for honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option. If you prefer a sugar-free version, try stevia, monk fruit sweetener, or erythritol – just adjust to taste since some sweeteners are more concentrated.
- Lemon juice: Make strawberry limeade by substituting lemon juice with lime juice.
- Strawberries: No substitute for strawberries in this recipe, but for a similar fruity refresher, try this recipe with raspberries, blackberries, or even a mix of summer berries.
- Cold water: For a fizzy version, swap some or all of the water with sparkling water or club soda. Coconut water is another refreshing alternative for a tropical twist. An addition of rose water also makes this lemonade extra special!
Expert Tips
- Sweeten to taste: Start with less sugar and adjust as needed. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you may need less. If they’re a bit tart, add a little more.
- Boost the flavor: Add a few leaves of fresh basil or mint while blending for an herby freshness, or stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Make it a cocktail: Add a splash of vodka, rum, tequila, or champagne to the mix for an easy summer cocktail.
- Chill the glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your lemonade cold even longer and make it extra refreshing. Perfect for a hot day!
- Keep it cold: Freeze some of the lemonade in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice cubes to keep your drink cold without diluting it.
- Let the flavors meld: After mixing, let the lemonade sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together and creates a more refreshing taste.
How to Store This Recipe
Make this strawberry lemonade ahead without the ice cubes and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy. Just add ice to the pitcher or individual glasses when serving. Transfer leftovers in a jar or covered pitcher and store in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
What to Serve with Strawberry Lemonade
Strawberry lemonade is the ultimate refreshing drink that pairs perfectly with just about anything. Serve it alongside grilled favorites like burgers, hot dogs, or grilled meat for a classic backyard feast. It’s also a great match for fresh salads, seafood dishes, or picnic-style sandwiches. Enjoy it with a beach-themed charcuterie board in the summer, or with brunch favorites like cinnamon rolls, muffins, pancakes, or waffles anytime of the year.
More Easy Homemade Drinks To Try
- Café Romano
- Homemade Starbucks Iced Americano
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A iced coffee
- Chocolate chai latte
- Matcha tea
The Easiest Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
For the syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
For the lemonade
- 1 cup lemon juice about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed
- 1 cup strawberries fresh, hulled and halved
- 4 cups water cold, to dilute
Optional Add-ins:
- lemon slices for garnish
- strawberries whole, for garnish
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by combining 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- While the syrup is cooling, blend the strawberries with enough water to make a smooth puree. Strain this through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother texture, or leave as is for some thickness. Likewise, if you haven’t already, strain the lemon juice to remove any seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade.
- Mix the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water in a large pitcher. Stir well.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust if it’s too sweet by adding more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add more water or a bit more sugar, depending on your preference.
- Serve with added ice cubes in the pitcher or in individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and whole strawberries if using. Best served cold.
Notes
- Start with less sugar and adjust as needed. If your strawberries are extra sweet, you may need less. If they’re a bit tart, add a little more.
- Add a few leaves of fresh basil or mint while blending for an herby freshness, or stir in a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Add a splash of vodka, rum, tequila, or champagne to the mix for an easy summer cocktail.
- Pop your glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving to keep your lemonade cold even longer and make it extra refreshing. Perfect for a hot day!
- Freeze some of the lemonade in ice cube trays and use those instead of regular ice cubes to keep your drink cold without diluting it.
- After mixing, let the lemonade sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together and creates a more refreshing taste.
