Homemade Strawberry Lemonade is the fruity, sunshine-in-a-glass we all need. It's fresh, pink, and just the right amount of sweet-tart to make any moment feel like summer.
I actually started making this homemade strawberry lemonade during my early blogging days when I wanted something fresh, simple, and way better than store-bought. It’s now a staple for sunny days, family hangouts, and those “I need something fun to sip” moments.
If fruity drinks are your jam, check out my Brazilian Limeade and Fresh Fruit Strawberry Sangria too!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh fruit, water, and sugar—easy and affordable.
- Custom Sweetness: Control the sugar to suit your taste.
- Full of Flavor: Juicy strawberries + zesty lemons = perfection.
- All Ages Approved: Kid-friendly, brunch-ready, and picnic-perfect.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries: Sweet, juicy, and full of summery flavor. Blend ’em up for that vibrant pink hue.
- Lemons: Freshly squeezed, not bottled—because you can taste the difference.
- Sugar Syrup: Dissolves better than straight sugar and makes the lemonade smooth and sippable.
- Cold Water: Balances the flavors and makes it extra refreshing.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Honey-Sweetened: Use honey instead of sugar for a natural, floral twist.
- Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade: Swap 1–2 cups of cold water for sparkling water or lemon soda for a fizzy, party-ready version.
- Berry Remix: Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to change up the flavor.
- Strawberry Limeade: Switch the lemons for limes for a tangy punch.
- Frozen Version: Blend with ice for a frosty strawberry slush.
- Herbal Infusion: Steep basil, mint, or rosemary in the syrup for a fresh herbal hit.
For more summer drink inspo, check out my Russian Tarragon Soda and the frosty fun of this Best Mangonada Recipe.
🔪How To Make Strawberry Lemonade
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved completely. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Juice the lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice the lemons until you have 1 cup of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and excess pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade.
- Step 3: Prepare the strawberries: While the syrup is cooling, blend the strawberries with a little water to create a smooth puree.
- Step 4: Strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh if you prefer a smoother texture.
- Step 5: Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well.
- Step 6: Taste your lemonade and if it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, add more water or a bit more sugar. Add ice cubes to the pitcher or to individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices, whole strawberries, and mint leaves and serve cold.
💡Hint: Freeze extra lemonade in ice cube trays to keep future glasses chilled without diluting the flavor!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Always go fresh: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t hit the same.
- Strain for smoothness: Especially if your strawberries are a little seedy.
- Make it ahead: Let it chill in the fridge for a few hours to boost the flavor.
- Batch it up: Double or triple the recipe for parties or picnics.
- Freeze for later: Freeze the base (syrup + lemon juice + purée) in ice cube trays. When you're ready for a glass, just thaw and stir in cold water—instant lemonade without the wait!
💭 FAQs
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones. Ensure they are fully thawed and drained before blending to achieve the desired consistency and flavor.
To modify the sweetness, you can adjust the amount of simple syrup or sugar added. Starting with a smaller quantity and tasting as you go allows for better control over the final sweetness level.
It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Remove any garnishes before storing to keep it tasting its best.
Absolutely! Preparing strawberry lemonade a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful beverage. Just ensure it's stored in the refrigerator until serving.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Here’s what pairs beautifully with homemade strawberry lemonade:
- Mango Chicken Salad: Fresh, zesty, and light.
- Caprese Mini Pizzas: Tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella never disappoint.
- Mediterranean Farro Salad: Full of texture and summery flavor.
- Berry Salad with Goat Cheese: The perfect flavor echo.
- Paprika Shrimp Skewers: A little smoky, a little spicy—so good.
DIY Lemonade Bar: Hosting a party? Set up a build-your-own lemonade bar with strawberry purée, sparkling water, lemon slices, fresh herbs (mint, basil, rosemary), and optional mix-ins like flavored syrups or alcohol-free vodka alternatives. It’s interactive, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Fancy Rim Hack: Rim your glasses with lemon sugar or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a cute, flavor-boosting edge that feels straight out of a café.
Lemonade Jar Gifts: Pour the lemonade base (syrup + lemon + purée) into mason jars, add a cute handwritten label with “Just add water,” and boom—instant hostess gift, neighbor treat, or party favor.
🍽 Try More Summer Drinks
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Homemade Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Cup Water (for the syrup)
- 1 Cup Lemon Juice (about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed)
- 1 Cup Fresh Strawberries hulled and halved
- 4 Cups Cold Water (to dilute)
Optional Add-ins:
- Slices Of Lemon
- Whole Strawberries
- Ice Cubes
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a saucepan. Boil until sugar dissolves, then cool for 30 minutes.
- Blend strawberries with a little water into a smooth puree (strain if desired).
- Juice lemons to yield 1 cup of juice, straining out seeds and pulp.
- In a pitcher, mix cooled syrup, lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well.
- Add more lemon juice for tartness, or water/sugar for sweetness
- Add ice to glasses, garnish with lemon slices, strawberries, and mint. Serve chilled.
This strawberry lemonade is sunshine in a glass! Sweet, tangy, and perfectly refreshing—ideal for sipping on a warm day.