Refreshing Strawberry Lemonade Drink is a great summer beverage to prepare while strawberries are in season. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a twist to these delicious drink.
On a hot summer day, quench your thirst with this super easy, delicious Strawberry Lemonade beverage.
Put it in the freezer before serving to give it a slushy consistency and I bet you everyone will love it!
One thing that blows my mind is the price of lemon. We have tons of lemon here in the Valley that goes to waste. I don’t get that. Where is our lemon coming from?
Our lemon is much bigger than the one in the store. It is at least 3x bigger.
My neighbor has a lemon tree and part of it hangs on my yard, luckily I don't have to buy it when in season.
How to make strawberry lemonade drink
Making homemade Strawberry Lemonade are better than store-bought. Less sugar, no artificial flavors or preservatives. These refreshing drink has only 3 ingredients: strawberries, lemon juice and sugar. That’s it!
You can prepare this ahead of time and it is much tastier when left in the fridge to chill overnight. Flavors from both fruit will blend well with a bit of thicker consistency like a juice.
If you prefer a clear drink, after blending the strawberries run it through a strainer or sieve to catch all the seeds and small particles. I don’t do this. Why discard all the tasty flavor? I find this a waste. Again, it is up to your preference.
Pick strawberries that are very ripe or at least ripe. Strawberries that are very ripe require less sugar plus you want to use them first as they can go bad quickly.
Froze half of the strawberries if you don’t want to add ice cubes.
Don’t add too much water when blending strawberries. Once you combine all the ingredients in a pitcher then add water. This way you can control the consistency of your drink. Some like it runny while others like it thicker.
My recipe calls for 3 cups water, you can always use less or add more depending on your taste.
I prefer a less sugary drink so this is another ingredient that you can reduce or up the amount. Also, if you are not in the mood to make simple syrup, regular granulated sugar will do.
To make simple syrup, put equal amounts of sugar and water in a sauce pan over low heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved. Using simple syrup will prevent granulated sugar from settling at the bottom of the drink. Also, using liquid sugar ensures the desired sweetness of drink.
Make your own simple syrup since it is very easy to prepare and it will save you money!
If you have room in your freezer, put the pitcher for about ½ an hour or until it has a consistency of a slushy drink before serving. Make sure to take it out before it becomes frozen, that’s not what I am suggesting.
If you have oranges or grapefruit, it adds another layer of flavor when added to this concoction.
Again, recipes are to guide you but you can always tweak it to your liking or taste. My taste is definitely different from yours.
Store leftover drink
For leftover drinks, store for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Try other refreshing summer drinks
Recipe
Strawberry Lemonade Drink
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh strawberries ½ frozen
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 5 large lemons
- 4 cups water
- ¾ cup simple syrup or ¾ cup granulated sugar dissolved in ¾ water.
- ice cubes
Garnish
- sliced strawberries
- sliced lemons
- mint leaves
Instructions
- If using simple syrup, place ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¾ cup water in a small sauce pan over low heat. Simmer mixture until sugar is dissolved. Cool. Otherwise, just use granulated sugar but you might find some sugar settling at the bottom of drink.
- Combine 2 cup waters, strawberries, lemon juice and ½ cup simple syrup.
- When strawberries are pureed, transfer mixture to pitcher. Add remaining water depending on consistency you prefer (runny or a bit thicker).
- Taste mixture and see if you need to add remaining ¼ cup sugar or more. Note: When strawberries are in season and very sweet, it doesn’t require much sugar unless you really like it very sweet.
- Refrigerate ½ a day or better yet overnight. Fruit flavors will blend well with a thicker consistency.
- If you prefer, transfer to freezer until consistency is similar to a slushy drink or serve with ice instead (if you like) then garnish with sliced strawberries, sliced lemon and mint leaves.
Notes
- If you prefer a clear drink, first blend strawberries with 2 cups water then strain. Put back in blender and add other ingredients. I don’t strain my drink. I find it a waste of flavor and healthy ingredients like fiber. It’s your preference.
- Add more water if you like but I prefer a bit thicker drink.
- Adding oranges and grapefruit adds layer of flavor to this refreshing drink.
- For leftover drinks, store for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
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