Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Sweet, Tart & So Refreshing)
Fresh, juicy strawberries and tart lemons come together in this ice-cold strawberry lemonade recipe that tastes like those nostalgic summer days in the country.
And just wait until you see the little trick that makes the strawberry flavor pop even more.
Hubby and I were quoted over $3000 to tackle our home landscaping, and after a few long 12-hour work days (and way too many trips to Lowe’s and the nursery), we crushed it.
Now I’m laid up with an ice pack on my shoulder and braced wrist, and he’s over there with a heated rice pack on his lower back …and a torn meniscus.
All we can do is look at each other and laugh.
But hey, a win is a win, and we did it!
We earned every frosty glass of this sweet and tart refreshing strawberry lemonade.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Bold strawberry flavor. It starts with a fresh strawberry simple syrup for that real strawberry taste.
- Perfectly balanced and tested recipe. I’ve made this recipe so many times, and I’ve gotten the balance of sweet and tart just right.
- Flavor-boosting secret. A splash of pure lemon extract and pure strawberry extract enhances the flavor (totally optional but worth it.
- Easy to customize. Use sparkling water, fruit-infused water, or even a splash of alcohol for a grown-up version.
Watch how I Make This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
That fresh strawberry syrup + a splash of strawberry extract? Game changer!
In this video, I’ll show you step-by-step exactly how to get that bold, natural strawberry flavor and perfectly balanced lemon tartness.
What You’ll Need To Make Strawberry Lemonade
Exact measurements are in the recipe card below. Here are all of the ingredients and what they do for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries – This recipe uses a full pound of sweet, juicy strawberries for the best natural strawberry flavor!
- Water – Use purified water for the cleanest, freshest taste.
- Granulated sugar- Sweetens and balances the tartness of the lemons.
- Lemon zest- Add brightness and citrusy punch that deepens the overall lemon flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice– Give this lemonade that signature fresh and tart taste. Don’t skip using fresh lemon juice here.
- Pure lemon extract- Add an extra layer of lemon flavor
- Pure strawberry extract – Bumps up the strawberry flavor.
- Garnishes (optional): Lemon slices, strawberry slices, and fresh mint for a pretty finish.
How To Make Strawberry Lemonade (Step-by-Step)
Blend the strawberries. Add strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth.
Make the strawberry syrup. Pour the puree into a large saucepan. Add water, sugar, and lemon zest. Heat on low, stirring until sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a barely simmering point. (Do not boil)
Simmer briefly. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cool. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Strain. Double-strain into the serving pitcher using a fine-mesh sieve or straining bag to remove pulp and seeds. Don’t skip this step. This gives a smooth, clear strawberry lemonade that won’t separate as much or become cloudy.
Add the fresh lemon flavor. Stir in fresh lemon juice and remaining cups of cold water.
Boost the flavor (optional but worth it). Stir in lemon extract and strawberry extract.
Chill. Refrigerate until ice cold!
Serve. Stir before serving and serve over ice. Garnish if desired.
Mo’s Test Kitchen Tips & Tricks
After making this recipe countless times, here are my best tips and tricks.
- Use fresh, ripe ingredients – Fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and ripe strawberries give you the best flavor and that gorgeous, vibrant red color.
- Use purified water—Skip tap water if possible u. I can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Purified or alkaline water gives you a cleaner, smoother lemonade.
- Strain it well– A nut milk or juicing bag works better than a sieve for removing fine pulp. This will ensure your lemonade is clear and smooth, with minimal separation.
- Serve it ice cold. Room temperature lemonade? A crime! This needs to be served ice cold and poured over ice for that crisp, refreshing finish.
- Don’t skip the garnish– Lemon slices, strawberries, mint, or even basil take it to the next level of pretty! Frozen strawberries and mixed berries make great garnish ice cubes.
- Make Strawberry lemonade ice cubes- Want to avoid dilution? Make a double batch and pour half into ice cube molds. It creates beautiful, slushy textures as it melts without extra water in the lemonade.
FAQs
Is strawberry lemonade just pink lemonade? Typically, pink lemonade is simply regular lemonade with red food coloring. If a natural pink color is desired, raspberries, cherries, or cranberries are typically used. Read about the history of pink lemonade. Or for the best pink color, try adding a few dropperfuls of beet juice! Look at how pretty and natural this electric pink lemonade is; there’s no beet flavor at all.
Can I reduce or substitute the sugar? Yes! You can reduce the sugar in the strawberry base or swap some of it with honey, agave, or your preferred granulated white sugar substitute sweetener. Just adjust to tate.
Can I use limes instead of lemons? Absolutely! Swap the lemons for limes to make a fresh, vibrant strawberry limeade.
Can I use bottled lemon juice? You can if you’re in a pinch, but fresh lemon juice is a key player in making this lemonade shine. It makes the flavor brighter, fresher, and totally worth it.
Can I make this strawberry lemonade recipe ahead of time? Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours. Just stir before serving.
How long does strawberry lemonade last? Store in the ther fridge for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
Make it Boozy!!
It’s easy to turn this strawberry lemonade recipe into a refreshing adult cocktail by adding 1-2 ounces of your favorite chilled alcohol.
- Vodka: Vodka has a flavor that’s easy to mix with many things, so it’s usually my go-to for lemonade. About 1-2 oz per glass still allows the strawberry and lemon flavor to shine through.
- Rum: White rum is wonderful in strawberry lemonade and complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Gin: If you want to add herbal notes, try a splash of gin. Just don’t overdo it here, or you’ll overpower the flavor of the strawberries and lemon.
- Prosecco, Champagne, or your favorite white wine – I love adding Prosecco to brunch, strawberry lemonade, and using sparkling water! It’s a nice variation from mimosa.
- Tequila– Turn this strawberry lemonade into a tasty margarita with a splash of tequila!
Lemonade Garnish Ideas
Garnishes take this homemade strawberry lemonade recipe to the next level! It’s almost impossible to resist a garnished chilled glass of frosty strawberry lemonade. Here are a few garnish ideas.
- Make a Strawberry rose- Here’s how to make a strawberry rose
- Sliced strawberries (chilled or frozen)
- Lemon/ Lime slices or wedges
- Citrus zest curls
- Fresh herb sprigs (mint, rosemary, and basil)
- Organic Colorful Edible flowers (roses, pansies, violets)
- Cucumber slices
- Fruit juice ice cubes
- Fresh or frozen mixed berries
Ready to make this strawberry lemonade recipe? Let’s go!
Get the Recipe:
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 lb strawberries washed and hulled
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 9 cups cold water, divided
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1½ cups fresh lemon juice (the juice of about 10-12 lemons)
- ¼ teaspoon pure lemon extract
- ¼ teaspoon pure strawberry extract
Instructions
- Add strawberries to a blender and blend until smooth.1 lb strawberries
- Pour puree into a large saucepan and add 2 cups of water, sugar, and lemon zest.2 cups granulated sugar, 9 cups cold water, divided, 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Heat on low while stirring, just until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has reached a light simmer. (do not boil)
- Let simmer gently for about 5 minutes while stirring.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
- Double-strain the mixture into the serving pitcher. (I like to use a fine mesh straining bag to ensure no fine solids get through. This will create super clear lemonade that won't separate or become cloudy. )
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and the remaining cups of cold water. (stir in the water a cup at a time while tasting until you have your desired sweetness. You may need more or less water to suite your tastebuds)1½ cups fresh lemon juice
- Stir in lemon extract and strawberry extract.¼ teaspoon pure lemon extract, ¼ teaspoon pure strawberry extract
- Refrigerate until cold.
- Stir before serving and serve over ice. Garnish if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe ingredients – Fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and ripe strawberries give you the best flavor and that gorgeous, vibrant red color.
- Use purified water—Skip tap water if possible u. I can leave an unpleasant aftertaste. Purified or alkaline water gives you a cleaner, smoother lemonade.
- Strain it well– A nut milk or juicing bag works better than a sieve for removing fine pulp. This will ensure your lemonade is clear and smooth, with minimal separation.
- Serve it ice cold. Room temperature lemonade? A crime! This needs to be served ice cold and poured over ice for that crisp, refreshing finish.
- Don’t skip the garnish– Lemon slices, strawberries, mint, or even basil take it to the next level of pretty! Frozen strawberries and mixed berries make great garnish ice cubes.
- Make Strawberry lemonade ice cubes- Want to avoid dilution? Make a double batch and pour half into ice cube molds. It creates beautiful, slushy textures as it melts without extra water in the lemonade.
Nutrition
Check out these other refreshing lemonade recipes
This looks delicious Was wondering if you ever tried to make strawberry dragon fruit lemonade? Dunkin has it out, but looking for a homemade version with less “extras” in it. Maybe even a lower sugar version. Looking forward to seeing if you ever made this!
Made this today and it was so refreshing. Great drink for these humid NY temps!