Easy Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Lemonade is the perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. Sweet strawberries and tart lemons blend together for a refreshing homemade drink that’s far better than store-bought. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a pitcher of fruity, vibrant lemonade ready to impress at picnics, cookouts, or just lounging on the porch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Made with real, fresh ingredients
• Naturally sweet, tangy, and bursting with strawberry flavor
• Ready in minutes with just a blender and a pitcher
• Easily customizable for your taste (or turned into a cocktail!)
• A fun and colorful drink for all ages

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh strawberries, hulled
• Fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
• Granulated sugar (or honey/agave as alternatives)
• Cold water
• Ice
• Optional: lemon slices, strawberry slices, fresh mint for garnish

directions

1. Make the strawberry purée:
   Blend strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds if a smoother texture is desired.
2. Prepare the simple syrup:
   In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 2 cups of water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved. Let cool.
3. Combine the lemonade:
   In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, strawberry purée, cooled simple syrup, and remaining cold water. Stir well and adjust sweetness to taste.
4. Chill and serve:
   Refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with fresh mint, lemon slices, or strawberry slices if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6–8
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
• Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

• Sparkling lemonade: Use sparkling water in place of still water for a fizzy twist
• Low sugar version: Reduce sugar or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
• Boozy lemonade: Add vodka, rum, or gin for an adult version
• Berry blend: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for added depth
• Frozen treat: Blend with ice for a slushy-style drink

storage/reheating

Store any leftover lemonade in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Shake or stir before serving, as natural separation may occur.
Freezing is also an option—turn into ice cubes or popsicles.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw them before blending for a smooth purée.

Do I have to strain the strawberry purée?

No, it’s optional. Straining gives a smoother drink, but leaving it unstrained keeps all the fiber.

How can I make it sweeter or more tart?

Adjust the sugar and lemon juice to your taste. Add more syrup for sweetness or more lemon for zing.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make it up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Stir before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch—just look for one without added sugar or preservatives.

Is this drink kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s fruity, fun, and free of alcohol—great for all ages.

Can I use honey instead of sugar?

Yes, substitute honey or agave syrup to taste. Mix it with warm water first to dissolve.

How do I keep it cold at a party?

Serve over ice or use frozen strawberry or lemon slices as natural ice cubes.

What type of blender is best?

Any standard blender will work. A high-speed blender makes a super smooth purée.

How do I make it look pretty for guests?

Serve in clear glasses with garnishes like mint sprigs, lemon wheels, and sliced strawberries.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Lemonade is everything you want in a summer drink: bright, sweet, tangy, and incredibly refreshing. Whether you’re making it for a backyard BBQ, a birthday party, or just because, it’s a simple and satisfying recipe that everyone will love. Once you try it homemade, you’ll never go back to the bottled stuff again.

Print