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Beat the Heat with Our Refreshing Homemade Strawberry Lemonade 😎🍋🍓

Summer is here! Temperatures are rising and the pool is open and my kids are thirsty for anything but water. My oldest son has been asking me (super sweetly,) to make him strawberry lemonade - sounds good to me! Made with fresh, juicy strawberries and tangy, zesty lemons, this delicious drink is the perfect way to beat the scorching heat. My recipe is easy to follow and uses all-natural ingredients that are sure to quench your thirst and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard BBQ, pleasing your kids (like me) or looking for a sweet treat on a hot day, this strawberry lemonade is the *perrrrrfect* choice. 👌 Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Benefits of Drinking Lemonade 🍋

Lemonade is an excellent drink to beat the summer heat. Besides being refreshing, it also offers several health benefits. Lemonade is made with lemons, which are rich in vitamin C, an essential nutrient that prevents certain diseases and may boost your immune system.

Why Make Homemade Strawberry Lemonade?

Homemade strawberry lemonade is better for a number of reasons. Firstly, homemade lemonade tastes much better than store-bought lemonade as it is made with fresh ingredients. Secondly, you can customize the sweetness and tartness of the drink to your liking. Thirdly, homemade lemonade is much healthier than store-bought lemonade as it does not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

To make homemade strawberry lemonade, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 6-8 lemons)
• 1 cup of sliced fresh strawberries
• ½ cup of granulated sugar (for lemon mixture)
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for strawberry purée)
• ¾ cup (6 ounces) of water for strawberry puree
• 6 cups of water for lemonade
• Ice cubes

To make lemonade, you will need the following equipment:

• Blender/Blender stick
• Juicer or citrus squeezer (optional)
• Strawberry Huller (optional)
• Pitcher
• Spoon
• Measuring cups
• Mesh strainer
• Sauce pan
• cutting knife
• lemon zester

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Lemonade

Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment, let's get started on making the perfect strawberry lemonade.

Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. Wash and clean the strawberries thoroughly
2. Cut the stem off and core out of the strawberries. I use a strawberry huller because it's fast at coring the strawberries and makes it easier to cut the strawberry shaped garnishes.
3. Cut in half or quarters for easier blending.
4. You can leave a few cored strawberries (3-4 strawberries) a side to garnish
5. In a blender, blend 1 cup of sliced strawberries, 3 tablespoonfuls of sugar and ¾ cup water (6 ounces)
6. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and set aside.

Make the Lemonade

1. Wash 6-8 lemons well
2. Roll out the lemons out to insure you get the most juice out of your lemons
3. Use a lemon zester to zest the lemon rind off all of the lemons completely as you can. Zest over a bowl and set aside.
4. Juice the lemons and pour into a separate bowl. You can use the lemon juicer or juice by hand. Which ever method you use, make sure to separate the seeds.
5. Into the sauce pan add lemon zest, ½ cup of sugar and lemon juice
6. Turn the stove on medium high
7. Stir until the sugar has dissolved
8. Take sauce pan off the heat .

Strawberry Lemonade Combination

1. In a pitcher, combine the lemonade mixture and 6 cups of water. Add the strawberry puree to the pitcher and stir well. Taste and adjust the sugar accordingly.
2. Chill and Serve

This is served best when refrigerated for at least 30 minutes. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon slices.

Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Here are some tips to help you perfect your strawberry lemonade recipe:

• Use fresh lemons and strawberries for the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking by adding more or less sugar and lemon juice.
• Use a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds from the strawberry puree.
• Chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
• PRO TIP: For big parties, freeze some lemonade and add to the punch bowl as ice to keep the strawberry lemonade flavor! It also looks very pretty!

Variations on the Classic Recipe

If you want to mix things up, here are some variations on the classic strawberry lemonade recipe:

• Add fresh mint leaves to the lemonade for a refreshing twist.
• Try using honey instead of sugar for a different taste of sweetness.
• Replace the strawberries with other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries.
• Add a splash of vodka or gin to make a refreshing summer cocktail.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishes

Homemade strawberry lemonade is a versatile drink that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Serve in a mason jar for a rustic look.
• Add a slice of lemon or strawberry to the rim of the glass for a decorative touch.
• Serve with a sprig of fresh mint or basil for added flavor.

Storing and Preserving Strawberry Lemonade

If you have leftover lemonade, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Beware, the lemonade may lose its freshness and flavor after a day. To preserve the lemonade for longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw the lemonade in the refrigerator before serving.

For more recipes...

Homemade strawberry lemonade is the perfect drink to beat the summer heat. It is easy to make, delicious, and healthy. With our step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations, you can create the perfect strawberry lemonade that suits your taste. So, forget about those store-bought drinks loaded with artificial flavors and sugars and try our homemade recipe today. Your taste buds will thank you!

For more drink ideas try this creamy avocado smoothie or healthy green pennywort drink.