Bright and refreshing, this easy strawberry lemonade is a perfect way to cool down on warm days. The recipe combines tangy lemonade with a sweet strawberry simple syrup for a vibrant, thirst-quenching drink that’s quick to prepare and full of fresh flavor.
Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients
You’ll need:
For the Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, washed, stemmed and sliced (should measure three cups after slicing)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
For the Lemonade
- Country Time Lemonade mix (follow package directions to make 2 quarts) — or use your preferred homemade lemonade
For the Garnish
- Sliced lemon
- Sliced strawberries
- Ice cubes
PRO TIP:
For the most intense strawberry flavor use very ripe strawberries. This drink is especially delicious in summer when berries are at their juiciest.
Substitutions and Additions
Alcohol: Add a splash of vodka to individual glasses to create a light summer cocktail.
Fizzy Version: Replace some or all of the still water with club soda or sparkling water for a bubbly strawberry lemonade.
How to Make This Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
STEP ONE: Prepare 2 quarts of lemonade according to the package directions (or use chilled homemade lemonade) and place it in the freezer for a short time to chill while you make the syrup.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
Using cold water to make the lemonade helps it chill faster so the finished drink is extra cold when served.
STEP TWO: In a medium saucepan combine 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, and the sliced strawberries. Heat over medium-high and bring to a boil.
STEP THREE: Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes, until the strawberries are soft and the liquid has turned a deep red.
STEP FOUR: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Press the strawberries gently to release their juices, but avoid forcing through any pulp so the syrup stays smooth.
STEP FIVE: Let the strawberry syrup cool for about 15 minutes.
STEP SIX: Stir the cooled strawberry syrup into the chilled lemonade until well combined. Taste and adjust the syrup amount to suit your preferred sweetness and intensity of strawberry flavor.
STEP SEVEN: Serve over ice and garnish glasses with lemon slices and strawberry slices.
PRO TIP:
Add fun patterned paper straws or lemon wheels to dress up the presentation.
How To Serve
This strawberry lemonade is excellent at summer gatherings, barbecues, tea parties or a pink-themed celebration. Serve it in a pitcher with plenty of ice and sliced fruit so guests can help themselves. It’s also easy to convert to an adult beverage by adding rum or vodka to individual glasses.
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If you prefer a similar grown-up cocktail at holiday brunch, try combining strawberry daiquiri mix with lemonade and rum for a festive twist.
Storage
In the fridge: Store the strawberry simple syrup in an airtight container for up to one week. Prepared lemonade is best consumed within three days.
In the freezer: Freezing is not recommended for the syrup or the finished lemonade; this drink is best enjoyed fresh.
On a hot day, this vibrant strawberry lemonade offers the right balance of tart citrus and sweet berry. Keep some ripe strawberries on hand during the season to make this quick, flavorful drink anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—fresh-squeezed homemade lemonade works beautifully and lets you control the tartness and sweetness.
Absolutely. Use raspberries, blueberries or a mix of berries to create other fruit-flavored lemonades.
Yes—frozen strawberries work well when fresh berries are out of season. Thaw slightly before simmering for the syrup.
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Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 3 cups strawberries, washed and sliced (measured after slicing)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
Lemonade
- Country Time Lemonade, prepared to make 2 quarts (or use homemade lemonade)
Garnish
- Sliced lemon
- Sliced strawberries
- Ice
Instructions
- Make 2 quarts of lemonade according to package directions and chill in the freezer briefly while you prepare the syrup.
- In a medium saucepan combine 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar and the sliced strawberries. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer about 30 minutes, until strawberries are soft and the liquid is deep red.
- Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract the juice without forcing pulp through.
- Allow the strawberry syrup to cool about 15 minutes.
- Mix the cooled syrup into the chilled lemonade, adjusting the amount to taste.
- Serve over ice and garnish with sliced lemons and strawberries.
Notes
- Using cold water to make the lemonade helps it chill faster so the drink is extra cold when served.
- Add patterned paper straws or citrus wheels for a festive look.
Nutrition
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