Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Recipe Easy Homemade Drink with Juicy Berries
A refreshing and easy-to-make strawberry lemonade that balances sweet and tangy flavors with juicy berries, perfect for summer afternoons and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 large lemons)
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 cups (950 ml) cold water (plain or sparkling)
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Place the hulled, halved strawberries in a mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently press down to release the juices but keep some berry chunks for texture (about 2-3 minutes).
- In a separate small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 cup / 240 ml) with granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150 grams). Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. If needed, warm the lemon juice slightly in the microwave (10-15 seconds) before mixing.
- Pour the lemon-sugar mixture and mashed strawberries into a large pitcher. Add 4 cups (950 ml) of cold water and stir well.
- Optional: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another container for a smoother lemonade, pressing gently to get all the juice. Otherwise, keep the pulp for a rustic feel.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry lemonade over. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or lemon slices if desired. Makes about 6 servings.
- For a sparkling version, swap half or all of the cold water for soda water just before serving and stir gently to keep the fizz.
Notes
Do not over-mash the strawberries to avoid turning the drink into a puree. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Warming lemon juice slightly helps dissolve sugar better. Let the lemonade rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors. For sparkling lemonade, add soda water just before serving and stir gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, homemade lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, easy lemonade recipe, fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sweet and tangy drink