Ready in: 30 minutes (plus chilling time) · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Blending · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This homemade strawberry lemonade is a refreshing blend of marinated strawberries and fresh lemon juice that invigorates your gatherings.
As the bustling streets of New York City transition into fall, I find myself craving the refreshing bite of summer in every sip. This homemade strawberry lemonade captures the essence of those sun-drenched days while still allowing me to savor the season’s warmth. Perfect for upcoming gatherings, like Thanksgiving dinner or a cozy Christmas brunch, this drink adds a splash of brightness to any festive table.
A Refreshing Fall Delight
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing taste that captures the essence of summer, perfect for any occasion.
- Simple preparation with just a few fresh ingredients.
- Customizable sweetness to suit your personal taste preference.
- Versatile drink suitable for gatherings, from Thanksgiving to Christmas brunch.
- Can be made in advance for enhanced flavor, making hosting easier.
Ingredients
This homemade strawberry lemonade requires fresh ingredients that come together to create a delightful drink.
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices and strawberries, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Lemonade (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a refreshing pitcher of homemade strawberry lemonade.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a medium-size bowl, combine the hulled and halved strawberries with half a cup of the granulated sugar. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes. During this time, the strawberries will release their juices, creating a luscious syrup that brings a sweet and tangy flavor to our lemonade.
Step 2: Muddle and Blend
After the strawberries have marinated, transfer them to a blender. While blending, add the remaining sugar—approximately a half cup—and blend until smooth. You’ll want the mixture to have a vibrant pink hue, and the scent of sweet strawberries will energize your kitchen.
Step 3: Squeeze the Lemons
As the strawberries blend, grab a citrus juicer to extract the juice from the fresh lemons. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any seeds and pulp, yielding that beautiful, bright lemon liquid.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Combine the blended strawberry puree and the freshly squeezed lemon juice in the pitcher. Slowly add the cold water. Stir the mixture gently; with every swirl, the sweet strawberries and zesty lemon marry together beautifully.
Step 5: Taste Testing
At this stage, take a little sip. If you prefer a sweeter drink, feel free to add more sugar until it reaches your desired balance. It’s bright and cheerful, perfect even in the brisk autumn air.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice for that instant refreshment. Garnish with lemon slices and a few strawberries for an eye-catching presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the Strawberry Marinade: Letting the strawberries sit is essential; skipping this step will result in less flavorful lemonade.
- Using Bottled Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to achieving that vibrant zing; bottled juice lacks the brightness you need.
- Not Tasting: Always taste your lemonade before serving. Adjusting sweetness is crucial, and personal preference can really vary.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use organic strawberries if possible; their flavor is typically richer.
- Make your lemonade a day in advance for enhanced flavor – just add ice before serving.
- For a fun twist, add a few fresh mint leaves to the pitcher for a refreshing minty kick.
Variations
- Substitute half of the water with sparkling water for a fizzy treat.
- Mix in some pureed raspberries or blueberries for a berry blend.
- Add a splash of lime juice for an extra citrusy twist.
How to Serve
- Serve over ice for instant refreshment.
- Garnish with lemon slices and strawberries for an eye-catching presentation.
- Perfect for parties; serve in a large pitcher for self-serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the strawberry syrup a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
- Storage: Store any leftover strawberry lemonade in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheating: Not applicable, serve chilled or over ice.
- Freezing: Not recommended; best enjoyed fresh.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
In creating this homemade strawberry lemonade, I was reminded of how simple ingredients can yield such incredible results. The joy of this vibrant drink stems from its efficient preparation as much as its delicious taste—perfect for hosting my friends and family during the holiday season.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 cups · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~120 calories · 0g protein · 31g carbs · 0g fat
Refreshing Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the hulled and halved strawberries with half a cup of the granulated sugar. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes to release their juices.
- Transfer the marinated strawberries to a blender. Add the remaining sugar and blend until smooth.
- Using a citrus juicer, extract the juice from the fresh lemons and strain it into a large pitcher.
- Combine the blended strawberry puree and lemon juice in the pitcher. Slowly add the cold water and stir gently.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness, if necessary. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice.
- Garnish with lemon slices and strawberries, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before use for the best flavor and texture.
How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet beverage, simply reduce the amount of sugar you add during the preparation. You can also balance it with more lemon juice to enhance the tartness.
Can I make strawberry lemonade ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add ice when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.
