Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Make Strawberry Lemonade Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Strawberry Syrup
Lemonade Base
To Serve
Method
Strawberry Syrup
Simmer
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, until strawberries are very soft and the liquid is slightly thickened.
Mash and strain
Use a potato masher or fork to mash the strawberries in the pan to release more juice. For a smooth syrup, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing solids with the back of a spoon; discard solids. If you prefer a pulpy syrup, reserve 1/2 cup of the mashed fruit and skip the straining step for that portion.
Add lemon to syrup
Stir in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice to the warm syrup to brighten flavor. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled (about 30–45 minutes).
Lemonade Base
Juice lemons
Juice lemons until you have 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons). Strain seeds and large pulp through a fine strainer if desired.
Combine base
In a large pitcher, combine the 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 4 cups cold water. Taste the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, dissolve up to 1/4 cup additional granulated sugar into a few tablespoons of warm water and stir into the pitcher until fully incorporated.
Chill
Refrigerate the lemonade base until ready to assemble, or keep chilled with ice in the serving pitcher.
Assemble & Serve
Mix strawberry lemonade
Pour 3/4 to 1 cup of the chilled strawberry syrup into the pitcher with the lemonade base (adjust to taste for sweetness and strawberry intensity). Stir gently to combine. If you reserved pulpy strawberry pieces, add them now for texture.
Adjust and chill
Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweetness/strawberry flavor or more water for a lighter drink. If the mixture is not cold enough, add ice to the pitcher or chill for 15–20 minutes.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice. Pour strawberry lemonade over ice (about 1 cup per glass). Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice, a lemon slice, and a couple of mint leaves if using.
Storage
Store leftover strawberry syrup and lemonade in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving as separation may occur.