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Turn a plain warm day into something you'll remember with this strawberry lemonade. Sweet berries and zesty lemons team up for that cool, zippy sip I keep whipping up for everything from slow afternoons to backyard hangouts.
The first time I made this, my daughter's graduation party was roasting under 95-degree heat. The lemonade vanished so quick I had to keep making more. Now, it's a must at every cookout from spring right through summer, and folks ask about it before they even bring dessert.
Ingredients Used
- Fresh mint leaves: Bring that cool, herby scent that takes your drink up a notch
- Ice cubes: Help chill things down and water it out just right as they melt
- Cold water: Smooths things out and brings all the flavors together at the perfect strength
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the lemonade just right, and you can add more or less depending on your berries
- Fresh lemons: Pack all that bright, tangy flavor you can't get from a bottle; go for the heavy, slight squish ones
- Fresh strawberries: Serve up both that sweet taste and the eye-popping color you'd expect; get berries with zero green or white for the most flavor
Easy Instructions
- Serve With Flair:
- Grab some glasses and load them with ice (filtered ice makes a difference in taste). Pour your lemonade from a bit higher up so it gets just a little foam on top. Take a strawberry slice for the rim and slap some mint between your palms to help the smell come through, then toss it in your glass.
- Mix Everything Up:
- In a big pitcher, dump in the strawberry mush, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir it for a couple of minutes so the sugar melts in, or you’ll taste grains. Once smooth, add your cold water and stir again. Everything should look pink all over—no random streaks.
- Squeeze Those Lemons:
- Roll lemons under your hand on the counter to help get out every drop. Chop them in half, then twist them on a fork or reamer to get all the juice. If seeds fall in, just scoop them out with a spoon.
- Strawberry Prep:
- Give the strawberries a good rinse, even if they’re organic. Take off the tops and any bitter white bits. Put them in a blender and blend until you don’t see any lumps. Want it super smooth? Strain through a fine sieve with a spoon to catch all the juice and leave the seeds out.
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Things To Know
The magic here is really in how fresh your berries are. One batch with store fruit, one with ones we picked ourselves—the difference was so wild, even my husband noticed (and he usually doesn't). Now, every June, picking berries for this is our family thing.
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Switch It Up
Think of this strawberry lemonade as your playground. Pop some basil into the blender for an herby twist that actually works awesome with grilled meats. If you want to make it fancy, add a splash of something bubbly right before pouring—it looks extra cool in champagne glasses and tastes like a party.
Leftover Tips
This drink is tastiest right after you make it, but it'll still taste great in the fridge for a couple days if you keep it tightly closed. Natural acid keeps it fresh, though it may get a little bit darker after day one. If you have leftovers, stir them up and maybe toss in a few new strawberry slices for a pop of color and perked up flavor.
Make It Grown-Up
When the crowd's mixed, I put out a big pitcher and then keep a little 'adults only' bar nearby. Folks can add vodka, prosecco, or white rum—about one shot (one ounce) per glass is plenty so it’s boozy but still tastes like summer fruit.
Pairings You'll Love
This drink goes with pretty much any summer meal. Try it with seafood, chicken straight off the grill, cucumber sandwiches, or a fresh salad. It's got just enough tang to cut through richer dishes and sweet enough to balance spice. Want a killer dessert combo? Serve it up with pound cake, berries, and whipped cream.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I make a sparkling version?
Swap out a portion of the water for soda water or sparkling water if you like some fizz.
- → What are other garnish options?
Try adding a lemon slice, a few strawberry pieces, or even some edible blooms to fancy it up.
- → Can I prepare this lemonade in advance?
For sure, go ahead and mix it up a few hours early. Keep it chilled in the fridge and give it a good shake or swirl before pouring.
- → How do I make this drink less sweet?
Just dial back the sugar or pick a lighter sweetener like honey or stevia to suit your taste.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen berries are totally fine! Let them thaw out before blending for best flavor.