Get ready to transform your ordinary summer day into an extraordinary flavor experience with this irresistible homemade strawberry lemonade! Imagine a drink so vibrant, so refreshingly delicious, that it will make your taste buds dance with pure joy. This isn't just another lemonade recipe - it's a liquid sunshine that combines the sweet, tangy essence of ripe strawberries with zesty, freshly squeezed lemons, creating a beverage that's both elegant and incredibly simple to make.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the fresh strawberries. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Remove the green tops (hulls) from the strawberries using a knife or a huller. Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters to make them easier to blend.
- In a blender, combine the prepared strawberries and 1 cup of sugar. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and the strawberries are fully pureed. This should take about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- After blending, strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove the seeds and any pulp. Use a spatula to press the mixture through the sieve for maximum yield.
- Next, add 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher with the strawberry puree. If you haven't already, juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup of juice. This usually requires about 4 to 6 lemons, depending on their size and juiciness.
- Pour in 4 cups of cold water into the pitcher. Stir the mixture well to combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and water evenly.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If you prefer it sweeter, add more sugar, a tablespoon at a time, stirring until it is fully dissolved.
- Once the lemonade is to your liking, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes or serve immediately over ice cubes in glasses.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry or a lemon slice if desired. Serve and enjoy your refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade!
Tips
- Choose the freshest, ripest strawberries for maximum flavor intensity. Look for deep red berries with no white or green spots.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter, more authentic taste. Roll lemons on the counter before juicing to release more juice.
- Strain the strawberry puree thoroughly to ensure a smooth, seed-free texture that's pleasing to drink.
- Adjust sugar gradually - you can always add more, but you can't take it away. Taste as you go!
- For an extra fancy presentation, freeze some strawberries or lemon slices in ice cubes to make your drink look as amazing as it tastes.
- If you want a less sweet version, substitute some sugar with honey or use a sugar substitute.
- This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
