The Kids Will Love Making This Homemade Strawberry Lemonade All Summer Long
Are your kids home still home for summer vacation? How many times have they said "I'm bored?" or asked for yet another snack? One of my favorite ways to keep my little guy entertained—even add in a little learning without him noticing—is finding something delicious for him to help me with in the kitchen.
When we think of summertime flavors, two that immediately come to mind are strawberries and lemon. Picking berries at a local farm has always been something we look forward to every June, so finding new ways to use our berry haul has become a summer challenge for me. This year I decided some fresh, homemade Strawberry Lemonade recipe would be the perfect choice, not to mention delicious on a hot sunny day!
Related: 85 Best Summer Cocktails
Best Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
This version of a summertime classic gets a flavor boost from strawberries and freshly-squeezed lemon juice. The combination of two favorite summer flavors is so refreshing on a hot day and perfect for young and old sippers alike!
Related: 70 Refreshing Lemon Recipes
Can I Add Alcohol To Strawberry Lemonade?
If you want to add a boozy twist to your strawberry lemonade, vodka would be the best choice; sometimes you can even find a lemonade vodka flavor! Gin and bourbon are popular choices too! I think champagne would be delicious addition, and perfect for a Sunday brunch. If you want the bubbles but not the alcohol, sparkling water can be used instead.
Related: The Chef-Approved Way to Make the Best-Ever Strawberry Lemonade
Do I Have To Strain Strawberry Lemonade?
When looking for easy strawberry recipes, you will see most include a berry purée, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. However, I love this recipe because it is super kid friendly and quick. Little ones will love using the potato masher on the berries, and really they could even get their hands in there too! Since we love the Starbucks Refresher drinks with their fruit inclusions, I knew having some fruit pieces would be tasty to my family. You can certainly choose to go the smoother way though.
Related: How to Make Homemade Lemonade Taste 10x Better
Ingredients Needed to Make Strawberry Lemonade
Lemons
Strawberries
Sugar
Water
Ice
Related: 43 Savory Strawberry Recipes You Need in Your Life
Krista Marshall
Tools Needed to Make Strawberry Lemonade
Large bowl
Sharp knife
Juicer
Potato Masher
Saucepan
Whisk
Long Spoon
Pitcher
Glasses
Related: The Secret Ingredient for the Best-Ever Pink Lemonade
How to Make Strawberry Lemonade
1. Start by juicing lemons. The size of them will determine how many you need. Usually 5 lemons will yield the 1 cup of juice needed. Add to a large pitcher and set aside.
Krista Marshall
2. Wash strawberries, and chop them. Add to a large bowl and use a potato masher to mash them to a desired consistency.
3. In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar. Heat over low heat, whisking until sugar is dissolved.
Krista Marshall
4. Add sugar water and strawberries to lemon juice. Stir well. Chill until ready to serve. Serve over ice garnished with lemon slices, if desired.
Krista Marshall
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Lemonade
This recipe was designed for little kids to help by mashing the berries. You could certainly use a blender to purée them and then run through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.
Blackberries, raspberries or a mixture of berries would be delicious too.
Don't let the sugar and water mixture boil. Just warm over very low heat until sugar dissolves.
This will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
This mixture would also be delicious to make homemade popsicles!
You can add vodka for a boozy twist.
More Recipes For Kids To Help With:
More Summer Drinks To Keep You Cool:
Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
4-6 lemons, depending on size
1-lb strawberries, washed and chopped
6 cups water
1 cup sugar
ice
lemon slices, if desired
Juice lemons- you need 1 cup of juice.
Pour lemon juice into pitcher.
Place chopped berries in a large bowl.
Using a potato masher, mash berries to desired consistency.
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups water and 1 cup sugar.
Heat on low, whisking, until sugar dissolves.
Add sugar water and strawberries to lemon juice.
Add 4 cups water and stir well.
Chill until ready to serve.
Serve over ice, garnished with lemon sliced, if desired.
