Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly in this recipe and might even give you a slightly thicker texture. No need to thaw them first - just blend them straight from the freezer. You might want to reduce the water slightly since frozen berries release more liquid.

How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

The beauty of homemade lemonade is customization! Start with half the simple syrup called for in the recipe, then taste and add more until it reaches your preferred sweetness level. You can also increase the lemon juice for more tartness.

Can I make this without a blender?

While a blender makes the process easier, you can mash the strawberries by hand using a potato masher or fork. You'll need to mash them very well, then let them sit with some sugar to release their juices before straining and proceeding with the recipe.

Is there a non-carbonated version of this recipe?

Definitely! Simply replace the club soda with cold water or additional lemon juice for a still version that's equally delicious. You might want to add a bit more simple syrup to balance the flavors without the bubbles.

Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Description

A refreshing summer drink with the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors! This Strawberry Lemonade combines juicy, fresh strawberries with zesty lemon juice and fizzy club soda to create a vibrant and thirst-quenching beverage that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Strawberry Puree:

4 cups strawberries (approx. 1.5 lbs), stems removed and sliced
2 cups water

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup simple syrup
3 cups club soda

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Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries
Slice the stems off of the strawberries and slice them in half. Measure 4 cups of strawberries (after slicing) and add them to a blender.
Blend the Base
Add 2 cups of water, 1¼ cups of lemon juice, and 1 cup of simple syrup to the blender with the strawberries. Pulse everything together until the mixture is smooth.
Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove pulp and seeds, ensuring a smooth texture.
Combine with Club Soda
Transfer the strained mixture to a large pitcher and add 3 cups of club soda. Stir everything together gently to combine well.
Serve and Enjoy
Pour into glasses filled with ice, garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon slices if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

If your strawberries are very sweet, you can reduce the amount of simple syrup for a lighter drink.
Club soda can be substituted with sparkling water for a slightly different fizz.
For extra flavor, muddle some extra strawberries or mint leaves at the bottom of each glass before serving.
This lemonade can be prepared in advance without the club soda. Only add the fizz just before serving to maintain its sparkling freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 70
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 10mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg