Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water (for the syrup)
- 1 cup lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons, freshly squeezed)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 4 cups cold water (to dilute)
Optional Add-ins
- Slices of lemon (for garnish)
- Whole strawberries (for garnish)
- Ice cubes
- Mint leaves (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the syrup to cool for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the strawberries: While the syrup is cooling, place the hulled and halved strawberries into a blender with a small amount of water and blend until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Juice the lemons: Squeeze 4-6 fresh lemons until you have 1 cup of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and excess pulp for a clearer lemonade.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, stir together the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, and 4 cups of cold water until well mixed.
- Adjust to taste: Taste your lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired by adding more lemon juice for tartness, more water to dilute, or extra sugar for sweetness.
- Serve: Add ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. Garnish with lemon slices, whole strawberries, and mint leaves if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- You can strain the strawberry puree for a smoother texture if preferred.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste; start with 1 cup sugar and add more if needed.
- Using fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice will alter the taste.
- If you prefer a fizzier drink, add sparkling water instead of cold water.
- This lemonade is best served cold and consumed within 2 days if refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
