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–+ servings
Two glasses of strawberry lemonade with lemon slices on the rim, surrounded by fresh strawberries and lemons on a wooden board. The drink is a bright pinkish-red color and appears cold and refreshing.
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Strawberry Lemonade

This homemade strawberry lemonade is bright, fresh, and made with real strawberries, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and a quick strawberry syrup. A tiny splash of vanilla smooths out the sweet-tart flavor without making it fussy.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: Beverage, Dessert, Drink
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Author: kara

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice about 4–6 lemons
  • 4 cups cold water divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
  • Ice for serving
  • Lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Stir occasionally and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the strawberries are soft and syrupy.
  • Mash the strawberries slightly with a fork or potato masher to release more of their flavor.
  • Strain the strawberry syrup through a fine mesh sieve, pressing on the solids to get as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp or save it for yogurt, smoothies, or oatmeal.
  • Roll the lemons on the counter, then cut and juice them. Strain out any seeds.
  • In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well.
  • Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
  • Chill the lemonade for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Serve over ice and garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Video

Notes

For a less sweet lemonade, start with ½ cup sugar and add more to taste.
For the smoothest lemonade, strain the strawberry syrup well before adding it to the pitcher.
If using lemon zest, use a fine microplane so the zest blends in easily. You can also add the zest to the warm strawberry syrup and strain it out with the strawberry pulp.
For sparkling strawberry lemonade, replace 1–2 cups of the cold water with sparkling water or club soda. Add it just before serving so it stays fizzy.
Do not add ice directly to the pitcher unless serving immediately. It will melt and water down the lemonade.
Store covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Stir before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 31mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.3mg