What could be more refreshing on a hot summer’s day than Strawberry Lemonade?
There’s so much to love about summer. Playing softball with the neighbors. Heading down to the lake for a midday swim. Barbecues and picnics with mouthwatering hamburgers and corn on the cob. But one thing I associate with summer and only summer is this strawberry lemonade.
For whatever reason, sipping on a glass of lemonade on, say, October 19, just doesn’t taste the same. You need the sun’s rays piercing the glass as the droplets of water drip down your fingers. You need to be sweaty and slightly sun-kissed. So the second temps climb above 65°F, I am hulling all the strawberries and juicing all the lemons. You know what I mean.
So, this is your friendly reminder. The warmer months are fast approaching. It’s time to compile your summer menus. And no menu is complete without a refreshing beverage.
Is This Strawberry Lemonade Healthy?
The strawberry and lemon are good for you, injecting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into your diet. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that is considered healthier than granulated sugar; however, it does have a lot of fructose (i.e., fruit-based sugar), so don’t drink this stuff by the bucketload. Overall, this strawberry lemonade is suitable for vegan and vegetarian, gluten-free diets.
Can I Make This A Cocktail?
I like the way you think! Vodka, white rum, gin, tequila (which comes from agave), sparkling wine, rosé—they’ll all do nicely. You may even be able to find a strawberry– or lemon–flavored vodka to add to your lemonade. The only caveat is that I find many flavored vodkas to taste a bit synthetic, which may not jive with the freshness currently in your glass. My advice is to stick with premium, simple spirits that let the strawberries, lemon, and agave do the talking.
FAQs & Tips
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once you’ve blended everything together, pour it into a pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. While a lidless, glass pitcher looks the part, I’d think about putting it in an airtight vessel to keep it fresh.
What Does 'Hulling' Mean?
Hulling is the process by which you remove the green stem and leaves and the white core at the top of the berry. A small, sharp knife will suffice, but if you plan on going through a lot of strawberries, invest in an actual hulling tool (yes, such a thing exists). Or try this kitchen lifehack—use a straw and push right down the berry’s core to remove it.
How Long Does It Need To Chill Before I Can Drink It?
Wait at least 6 hours so the flavors can meld; one sip, and you’ll be glad you invested the time.
Can I Use Frozen Lemonade?
The pros of frozen lemonade concentrate are cost, convenience, and ease. The cons are the taste and nutrition. Real lemon juice won’t contain additives and sugar. In short, it is better for you. So yes, you can use frozen lemonade, but there is a trade-off.
Can I Make These Into Popsicles?
Great idea! Just pour the lemonade into freezer-safe molds and pop them into the freezer. You can also use those plastic popsicle sticks you stick into the mix before putting them in the freezer. This makes them easier to handle and eat.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry lemonade is the perfect drink for backyard barbecues. Whether it’s Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast or Cajun Grilled Cod, a sweet glass of lemonade really hits the spot. You can also keep things sweet with Hawaiian BBQ Chicken and maybe a side of Grilled Brussels Sprouts for a salty contrast. Or, if you’re not in the grilling mood, make some kid-friendly Chicken Fingers with a bowl of creamy Bacon Mac And Cheese!
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced, ripe strawberries hulled and halved
- 3 cups filtered water
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup agave syrup
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice approximately 6-8 large lemons
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, water, agave syrup (starting with 1/2 cup), and lemon juice in a blender. Blend on medium-high speed until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the flavor as needed (more agave syrup for sweetness, more lemon juice for acidity, more strawberries for taste).
- For a smoother texture, strain the lemonade through a fine mesh strainer (optional but recommend).
- Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or overnight, for best flavor. You can also serve immediately over ice.
- Store any leftover lemonade in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For a frozen treat, pour into popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
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