Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe: The Ultimate Summer Sip

Skip store-bought mixes! This quick and easy strawberry lemonade recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart for ultimate summer refreshment.

There’s nothing better than a refreshing glass of lemonade when the weather gets warmer, am I right? Whether you are working in the yard, hanging out by the pool, or celebrating with family and friends, a cool glass of lemonade totally hits the spot.

Instead of making a traditional lemonade, have you ever tried strawberry lemonade? It’s so good! Wait until you try this refreshing recipe for strawberry lemonade!

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What Makes This the Best Strawberry Lemonade Recipe?

This recipe is super refreshing because of the combination of fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice. It can be made with or without alcohol, making it versatile and perfect for any occasion. The fresh ingredients elevate this drink, making it flavorful and unique.

Difference Between Strawberry and Pink Lemonade

Although they are both pink in color, strawberry lemonade uses real strawberries. Where pink lemonade is just pink. And it may or may not have strawberries in it.

Pink lemonade is typically made using fresh lemons and food dye, grenadine or natural food coloring from fruit to make it pink.

• Strawberry Lemonade: Uses real strawberries, giving it a natural pink hue.
• Pink Lemonade: Typically made with fresh lemons and food dye, grenadine, or natural fruit coloring (e.g., strawberries, cranberries, raspberries).

Fruits commonly used to make lemonade turn pink include:

• strawberries
• cranberries
• raspberries

Did you know that beets can even be used to help change the coloring of lemonade? Yes!

Health Benefits of Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry lemonade is high in Vitamin C due to the combination of fresh strawberries and lemons, which helps boost the immune system. The antioxidants found in strawberries may also help reduce inflammation and provide other health benefits. Enjoying this refreshing drink not only quenches your thirst but can also contribute to overall wellness.

How to Make Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Making strawberry lemonade is simple and refreshing. Start by creating a strawberry simple syrup with fresh strawberries, sugar, and water. Mix this with freshly squeezed lemon juice and, optionally, vodka. Add sparkling water just before serving, and garnish with mint leaves and lemon slices. This easy-to-follow recipe yields a perfectly balanced, thirst-quenching drink that’s ideal for warm days.

As an aside, I make non-alcoholic strawberry lemonade often and keep it in these beautiful glass canisters on the kitchen counter for my family to enjoy.

But when we are celebrating an event with family and friends, I will spike it up with some vodka. And it is REALLY good!!!! So you can make this strawberry lemonade recipe both with or without alcohol. Just leave the vodka out if you want to make it non-alcoholic.

This cocktail is super easy to make and I know you’ll love it. I’m telling you, it will be your new favorite summertime drink!

Gather Ingredients for Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

To make this refreshing strawberry lemonade recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries, washed
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup vodka (optional)
• 1 cup lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons)
• 1.5 cups sparkling water
• 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 bunch mint (for garnish)

Make Strawberry Simple Syrup

Follow these steps to create a delicious strawberry simple syrup for your lemonade:

1. Wash and Slice Strawberries: Reserve a few for garnish.
2. Combine Water and Sugar: In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water and 1 cup of sugar to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add Strawberries: Simmer for a few minutes until the strawberries soften.
4. Blend Mixture: Blend the strawberry mixture until smooth. Let it cool.

Pro Tip: Allow the syrup to cool completely before adding it to your lemonade mixture for optimal flavor.

Mix the Lemonade Base

1. Combine Simple Syrup and Lemon Juice: Pour the cooled strawberry simple syrup into a pitcher and add 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
2. Add Vodka (Optional): If making a cocktail, stir in 1 cup of vodka. For a non-alcoholic version, skip this step.
3. Stir to Mix: Stir the mixture well.

Pro Tip: Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice to taste.

Add Alcohol or Keep Non-Alcoholic

• Add vodka if you want an alcoholic version or leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.

Serve with Garnishes

1. Add sparkling water just before serving.
2. Serve on ice, garnished with mint leaves and lemon slices.

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe Quick Tips

Here are some quick tips for making this recipe for homemade strawberry lemonade.

• Fresh Ingredients: The freshest strawberries and lemons give the best flavor.
• Lemon Juicer: Use a lemon juicer to make the process easier.
• Blender: Use a high-quality blender to blend ingredients smoothly.
• Make Ahead: Tastes better the second day. Refrigerate tightly covered without sparkling water. Add sparkling water just before serving.
• Frozen Strawberries: Can be used if fresh aren’t available.
• Lemon-Lime Soda Substitute: Can replace sparkling water for a sweeter taste.
• Increase Vodka: For a boozier cocktail, increase vodka to 1 ¼ cups.
• Strain Berries: For raspberries or blackberries, strain before pouring into a pitcher.

Variations and Substitutions for Strawberry Lemonade

Get creative with your strawberry lemonade by experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. Here are some easy swaps and enhancements to personalize your drink:

• Fruits: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blackberries.
• Garnishes: Experiment with basil, thyme, or edible flowers.
• Sweeteners: Substitute sugar with honey or agave syrup.
• Alcohol: Substitute vodka with rum or gin.

Strawberry Lemonade Recipe FAQ

If you have questions about making strawberry lemonade, check out these frequently asked questions for helpful tips and answers:

• Can I make this recipe without sugar?
  Yes, substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
• How long does it keep in the fridge?
  When stored tightly covered, strawberry lemonade can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. But you’ll probably finish it off before then!
• Can I freeze strawberry lemonade?
  Yes, freeze it in ice cube trays or a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Can I use frozen strawberries?
  Absolutely! It’s a good idea to ensure they’re fully thawed before blending. But I have to admit I’ve been a little lazy about it before and blended them up frozen.

Want More Summer Cocktail Recipe Ideas?

Wait until you try these recipes!

• Wait Until You Try This Bellini Recipe
• The Best Recipe for Peach Sangria
• Refreshing Watermelon Sangria
• The Best Pumpkin Spice Fall Cocktail

Spring Brunch Menu Recipes Here

This recipe for strawberry lemonade is being shared as part of my monthly supper club where my friends and I are celebrating spring with a beautiful brunch.

We shared some pretty table decor ideas, and now we’ve put together an amazing menu for a delicious spring holiday brunch that you’ve got to see.

I hope you enjoy these spring holiday brunch menu.

Low-Carb Asparagus Ham Twists by Simply 2 Moms

Bacon and Egg Potato Bake by Midwest Life and Style

Deviled Eggs Three Ways by Vintage Home Designs

Kahlua Blue Bunny Delight Recipe by The Ponds Farmhouse

Looking for Supper Club Ideas?

Our supper club has been so much fun and we’ve covered so much over the last year. Whether you are in a supper club or just want some dinner party theme inspiration, check out the themes we’ve hosted before.

And click here if you want to learn how to organize and host your own supper club. They are so fun to do and provide a great reason to gather regularly with family and friends.

• Galentine’s Day Brunch
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Spring Brunch
• Cinco De Mayo
• 4th of July
• Picnic Date
• Tailgating Party
• Thanksgiving Dinner Party
• Christmas Dinner Party
• New Year’s Eve
• Cozy Winter Dinner
• Afternoon Tea Party

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