Strawberry Lemonade Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler Drink

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Strawberry Lemonade Recipe – Easy Summer Cooler Drink

Hey everyone! Nothing beats a tall, cool glass of homemade lemonade on a hot day, right? Especially when it’s bursting with the sweet, summery flavour of strawberries! I first made this strawberry lemonade years ago when my niece came to visit, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. It’s seriously the easiest thing to whip up, and it’s so refreshing. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry lemonade isn’t just a drink; it’s a little slice of sunshine in a glass. It’s quick to make – seriously, just a few minutes of prep time! – and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s totally customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar! Prefer a bit of a zing? A squeeze more lemon will do the trick. It’s the perfect drink for beating the heat, picnics, or just a relaxing afternoon.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful strawberry lemonade:

• 8 fresh strawberries
• 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons sugar (approximately 45g)
• 1 pinch salt
• 5 cups water (approximately 1.2 liters)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Strawberries: I love using really ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavour. Alphonso strawberries are amazing if you can get your hands on them, but any sweet variety will work beautifully.
• Lemons: I prefer using lemons with thin skin – they tend to be juicier! Seedless lemons are a lifesaver, but if yours have seeds, don’t worry, a quick strain will sort that out. Depending on where you are in India, lemons can vary quite a bit in sweetness, so always taste as you go.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works perfectly. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup (see variations below!).
• Water: Filtered water is always best for a clean, crisp taste.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some lemonade!

1. First, give those strawberries a good wash. Slice them up, remove the green tops, and pop them into a blender with the sugar and just a splash of water – about ¼ cup to get things moving. Blend until it’s beautifully smooth.
2. Now, grab a metal strainer and strain that strawberry mixture. Press down with a spoon to squeeze out every last drop of juice. Add the remaining water to the strained juice.
3. Squeeze the juice from your lemons into the strawberry water. Don’t forget to remove any seeds! Add a tiny pinch of salt – it really helps balance the flavours.
4. Give everything a good stir. Now, this is the important part: taste it! Does it need a little more sugar? A bit more lemon juice? Adjust until it’s just right for you.
5. Finally, fill your glasses with ice cubes and pour in the strawberry lemonade. Garnish with a strawberry slice or a lemon wedge for a pretty touch.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years:

• Chill time is your friend: Letting the lemonade chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes really allows the flavours to meld together.
• Don’t over-blend: Over-blending the strawberries can make the puree a bit frothy. Just blend until smooth.
• Fresh is best: While you can use frozen strawberries (see FAQs), fresh strawberries really give the lemonade the most vibrant flavour.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Sugar-Free Option: Swap the sugar for a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. My friend, Priya, swears by using a little bit of dates blended into the puree for natural sweetness!
• Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: Replace some of the water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy treat.
• Ginger Infusion: Add a small piece of ginger (about 1 inch) to the blender with the strawberries for a spicy kick. My family loves this one, especially during the monsoon season.
• Summer Solstice Drink: For a special touch, add a few sprigs of mint or basil to the blender with the strawberries. It’s perfect for celebrating the longest day of the year!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry lemonade is amazing on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Light snacks like biscuits or cookies.
• A summery salad.
• Grilled chicken or fish.
• Basically, anything that needs a refreshing drink alongside it!

Storage Instructions

Leftover strawberry lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. It might separate a little, so just give it a good stir before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• How can I make strawberry puree without a blender? No blender? No problem! You can mash the strawberries really well with a fork, then push them through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. It takes a little more effort, but it works!
• What’s the best type of water to use for lemonade? Filtered water is always best for a clean, crisp taste.
• Can I make this lemonade ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make the strawberry puree and lemon juice ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Then, just combine them with the water when you’re ready to serve.
• How do I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade? Taste as you go! Add more sugar, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
• Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe? Yes, you can! Just thaw them slightly before blending. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries might result in a slightly less vibrant flavour.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry lemonade! I hope it brings a little bit of sunshine to your day. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!