Strawberry Lemonade Drink Recipe
It’s 90 degrees outside, your AC’s pretending it doesn’t exist, and you’re craving something that screams “refreshing” without the sugar coma.
Enter strawberry lemonade—the drink that’s basically summer in a glass.
No fancy equipment, no barista skills required. Just sweet, tangy, and Instagram-worthy perfection.
This isn’t your average powder-mix lemonade. Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness, while real lemons deliver that punchy zing.
It’s balanced, vibrant, and so easy you’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought.
Plus, it’s customizable—add booze for adults, sparkly water for fizz, or keep it classic for the kids.
The Magic Ratio
The secret? 1 part sweet, 1 part sour, 100% delicious. Too many recipes drown the fruit in sugar, but here, the strawberries do the heavy lifting. Lemon juice cuts through the sweetness, and a pinch of salt (trust me) makes everything pop.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes (because we’re not heating anything, folks)
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (or 1 if you’re having “one of those days”)
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced—no frozen imposters)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, depending on juiciness)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, but don’t skip it)
- 4 cups cold water (filtered if you’re fancy)
- Ice cubes (because lukewarm lemonade is a crime)
- Optional: Mint leaves, extra strawberry slices, or a splash of vodka (we won’t judge)
Instructions
- Blitz the strawberries. Toss them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain through a sieve if you hate seeds (or leave ’em for texture).
- Sweeten the deal. In a pitcher, mix the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves—no one wants gritty lemonade.
- Water it down. Add cold water and stir. Taste! Too tart? Add a bit more sugar. Too sweet? More lemon. You’re the boss here.
- Chill or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with strawberry slices or mint if you’re extra. Pro tip: Freeze strawberry slices into ice cubes for ~aesthetic~ vibes.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
Calories: 120
Carbs: 30g
Sugar: 25g (natural, but still sugar)
Vitamin C: 80% of your daily dose (you’re welcome).
FYI, this beats soda any day. No artificial junk, just fruit and sunshine.
Storage Instructions
Keep it in a sealed pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The strawberries might settle—just give it a stir before serving.
Freezing? Not recommended (texture goes weird), but you can freeze the puree for future batches.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using bottled lemon juice. Fresh is non-negotiable. That bottled stuff tastes like regret.
- Over-sweetening. Start with less sugar—you can always add more.
- Skipping the strain. If you blend whole strawberries, you’ll get a chunky mess. Sieve it unless you like chewing your drink.
Alternatives
- Sparkling strawberry lemonade: Swap half the water for club soda.
- Spiked version: Add 1 oz vodka or gin per glass. Cheers!
- Sugar-free: Use honey or maple syrup, but note it’ll change the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Fresh is still king IMO.
How do I make it less sweet?
Cut the sugar to ¼ cup or add more lemon juice. Taste as you go!
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Absolutely. Prep the puree and lemon juice separately, then combine with water 1 hour before serving.
Why is my lemonade cloudy?
Over-blending or using unfiltered water. It’s still drinkable—just embrace the ~rustic~ look.
Can I use limes instead?
Sure, but then it’s strawberry limeade. Still delicious, but don’t call it lemonade.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry lemonade is stupidly simple, wildly refreshing, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re poolside, hosting a BBQ, or just pretending your kitchen is a beach cabana, this drink delivers. Make it. Drink it. Thank us later.
