Okay everybody, it’s a sunny summer day, and it’s time that you learned how to make the easiest recipe in the land: my one-step, homemade strawberry lemonade!

This drink is the simplest, fastest way to make lemonade on a hot day, and in my opinion it never disappoints. All you gotta do is throw everything into a jar, shake it up with fresh strawberries (or frozen ones), and serve with some ice cubes and lemon slices. 

Real lemons vs. bottled lemon juice

You might wonder, what does it matter if I used bottled lemon juice over fresh lemon juice? While you can use either one, the flavor of fresh lemons is distinct and so incredible. So, if you have the time, I always recommend using fresh squeezed lemon juice.

That said, this being a “one-step” recipe… Feel free to keep it simple and use bottled lemon juice if fresh squeezed isn’t readily available.

Choosing the best strawberries

For this recipe, I honestly love using frozen strawberries in order to keep it simple (and cold)! That said, the best specimens are always bright red ripe strawberries for the best and brightest flavor.

If it’s strawberry season when you’re making this recipe, consider using fresh picked berries right off the farm for the most fresh strawberry flavor. Nothing matches the taste of juicy strawberries right out of the field or fresh from the farmer’s markets!

Making your own lemonade concentrate

My sister gave me this idea, and it’s one of the best things! If you have a bunch of lemons on hand that you want to use before they go bad, you can make your own lemonade concentrate with an easy simple syrup recipe. Just juice the lemons, and measure out the juice and sugar (according to the recipe below). Stir them together until dissolved, and freeze in a small container (labeled for the amounts included). 

Next time you need a quick batch of homemade lemonade, combine that frozen concentrate with water (and berries for this recipe), and stir until the lemon concentrate has dissolved. 

Strawberry lemonade flavor variations

One of the best things about an easy homemade lemonade recipe like this one is that you can adjust it to suit your taste. Here are a few different ways to make this recipe for different strawberry flavor combinations! 

Strawberry mint lemonade

You can make strawberry mint lemonade by substituting the water in this recipe for peppermint tea, or by adding a sprig of fresh mint leaves to the jar.

Orange strawberry lemonade

For this variation, add 1/2 cup of orange juice to this recipe.

Strawberry Raspberry lemonade 

Try using half raspberries and half strawberries for a very-berry version of this recipe!

Strawberry Watermelon lemonade

Add a handful of watermelon chunks to the jar when making this recipe for a watermelon version of the same drink!

Pink lemonade

Truth be told, this recipe already is pink lemonade (the strawberries make it the most gorgeous color!). That said, this easy strawberry lemonade recipe can be made more pink with a splash of added cranberry juice.

Strawberry Limeade

Substitute the lemon juice for lime to make a delicious variation to this easy recipe! 

Making carbonated strawberry lemonade

To make carbonated lemonade, do not make this recipe in a jar. Rather, combine the lemon juice and sugar the bottom of a big pitcher, stir until the sugar is dissolved, and top with carbonated water (according to the amount of water in the recipe) and strawberries.

You will need:

• Ingredients (see recipe card)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Lemon juicer (optional)
• 1/2 gallon mason jar
• Sharp paring knife (optional)

If you like this recipe, you may also like:

• Raspberry Limeade
• Citrus Punch
• Peach Peel Iced Tea
• Strawberry Raspberry Smoothie

Delicious, simple, and refreshing. If you make this recipe, let me know what you thought in the comments – or go ahead and tag me in your gorgeous lemonade pics on Instagram @naomicakesofficial!

Stay cool, and I’ll be back soon!

Naomi

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