Strawberry-honey Lemonade Recipe

Strawberry-Honey Lemonade

1. 1

   Prepare strawberries

   Hull and quarter 1 cup fresh strawberries. Reserve one or two small berries for garnish if desired.

2. 2

   Make strawberry purée

   Place the quartered strawberries in a blender or food processor. Add a pinch of salt (this brightens flavor). Pulse or blend until smooth, about 20–30 seconds. If you prefer a seedless drink, strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon; discard seeds and solids.

3. 3

   Dissolve honey

   In a small cup or bowl, combine 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons warm water. Stir until the honey is fully dissolved to make a honey syrup. This ensures even sweetness throughout the lemonade.

4. 4

   Juice lemons

   Juice lemons to measure 1 cup fresh lemon juice (usually about 4–6 medium lemons). Strain juice to remove seeds and excess pulp if desired.

5. 5

   Assemble lemonade

   In a large pitcher, combine the strained or unstrained strawberry purée, 1 cup fresh lemon juice, and the honey syrup. Stir to combine thoroughly.

6. 6

   Add water and chill

   Pour in 3 cups cold water (or 3 cups sparkling water for a fizzy version). Taste and adjust: add more water if too tart, or up to 1 tablespoon extra honey (dissolved) if you prefer sweeter. Add 2 cups ice cubes to chill immediately.

7. 7

   Serve

   Pour the lemonade into glasses over additional ice if desired. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice, a mint sprig, and a sliced strawberry if reserved. Stir gently before drinking.

8. 8

   Storage

   Refrigerate any leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher for up to 3 days. Stir or shake well before serving, as separation may occur.