Ingredients
Sugar Syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup hot water (just boiled)
Strawberry Puree
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Main Drink
- 6 to 7 cups cold water (adjust as needed)
- 1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6 large lemons, plus more to taste)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Sliced lemons, for garnish
- Sliced strawberries, for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the simple sugar syrup: In a bowl, dissolve 1 cup of sugar in 1 cup of hot, just boiled water. Stir the mixture thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set the syrup aside and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the strawberry puree: In a separate bowl, toss the diced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press them gently to help release their natural juices. Then transfer the sugared strawberries along with 1/2 cup water into a blender. Blend until you get a smooth puree.
- Strain the strawberry puree: Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds, ensuring a smooth texture. Set the strained puree aside.
- Combine ingredients in a pitcher: In a large pitcher, add 5 to 6 cups of cold water, adjusting the amount as needed. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and the strained strawberry puree. Then add the cooled simple syrup gradually to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Mix well.
- Adjust flavor: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your preference. If it’s not sweet enough, prepare additional simple syrup to add, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Serve and garnish: Once flavors are balanced, add ice cubes to chill the lemonade. Stir again gently. Garnish with sliced lemons, sliced strawberries, and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing homemade strawberry lemonade!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar syrup based on your preferred tartness and sweetness.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries.
- Straining the puree helps avoid seeds and ensures a smoother drink.
- Simple syrup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- To keep lemonade chilled longer, freeze some lemon slices or strawberries as ice cubes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian