Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours (optional)
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: About 4 cups concentrate
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- 1½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 8–10 lemons)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for added sweetness)
For Serving:
- Cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Lemon slices
- Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cold running water. Remove the green tops and slice the berries into halves. This allows them to cook evenly and release their natural juices more quickly.
Step 2: Make the Strawberry Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Heat over medium heat while stirring occasionally. As the mixture warms, the sugar will dissolve and the strawberries will begin to soften.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 8–10 minutes. Avoid boiling vigorously, as gentle cooking helps preserve the fresh strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Blend the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool slightly for a few minutes. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until completely smooth.
Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the saucepan.
Step 4: Strain
Pour the blended strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large bowl or pitcher. Use the back of a spoon to press as much juice through as possible.
Discard the remaining seeds and pulp if you prefer a smoother concentrate.
Step 5: Add the Lemon Juice
Stir the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the strawberry syrup.
If using lemon zest or vanilla extract, stir them in at this stage for additional depth of flavor.
Mix until everything is fully combined.
Step 6: Chill
Allow the concentrate to cool completely before transferring it to airtight glass bottles or jars.
Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving for the best flavor.
How to Serve
To prepare one serving, combine:
- ½ cup Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate
- 1 to 1½ cups cold water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
Stir well and garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon slices, and mint leaves.
Adjust the water depending on how strong or sweet you prefer your lemonade.
Storage Tips
Store the concentrate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze the concentrate in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
- Freshly squeezed lemons provide a brighter taste than bottled lemon juice.
- Taste the concentrate before storing and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Add sparkling water for a fizzy version.
- Blend with ice for a frozen strawberry lemonade.
- Mix with iced tea for a refreshing summer beverage.
- Freeze small portions for quick single servings.
Recipe Variations
Honey Sweetened
Replace the granulated sugar with honey for a naturally sweetened concentrate.
Mixed Berry Lemonade
Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries along with the strawberries.
Mint Strawberry Lemonade
Simmer several fresh mint leaves with the strawberries for a refreshing herbal flavor.
Tropical Version
Replace half of the water with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries work well and should be thawed before cooking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Reduce the sugar according to your taste. Keep in mind that the concentrate will taste stronger before being diluted.
Can I freeze the concentrate?
Yes. Freeze it in airtight containers or ice cube trays for convenient portions.
Why should I strain the mixture?
Straining removes seeds and pulp, creating a smoother drink. If you enjoy more texture, you can skip this step.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Concentrate Only)
- Calories: 145
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3mg
- Potassium: 145mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 34g
- Vitamin C: 55mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.5mg