There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a chilled glass of strawberry lemonade on a warm day. This Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate lets you enjoy that sweet and tangy burst of flavor anytime you want — whether it’s the middle of summer or the heart of winter. Packed with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries and the bright, zesty punch of freshly squeezed lemons, this concentrate is not just delicious but also incredibly versatile.
You can mix it with water, soda, or even use it as a base for cocktails or mocktails. Unlike store-bought alternatives, this homemade version has no artificial flavors, no preservatives, and is made with love and real fruit. It’s a perfect way to preserve the taste of summer and a thoughtful gift idea too.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and slice them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Using ripe and naturally sweet strawberries will enhance the flavor of the concentrate.
- Make the strawberry puree: In a blender or food processor, add the sliced strawberries and blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother concentrate, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, though this step is optional.
- Combine sugar and water: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water to make a simple syrup. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This syrup ensures that the sugar integrates well with the fruit and juice.
- Juice the lemons: While the syrup is cooling, juice your lemons. Roll the lemons on the countertop before cutting to make them easier to juice. Make sure to strain out the seeds while preserving the pulp if desired, as it adds a natural texture and boosts the lemon flavor.
- Mix all components: In a large mixing bowl or pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and the cooled simple syrup. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
- Store the concentrate: Pour the finished concentrate into a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months.
- How to serve: To enjoy, mix 1 part concentrate with 2–3 parts cold water, soda water, or sparkling water. Stir and add ice for a refreshing drink. You can also add fresh mint, lemon slices, or extra strawberry slices for garnish and flavor.
- Creative uses: This concentrate isn’t just for lemonade. Use it as a syrup for pancakes, drizzle it over desserts like cheesecake or ice cream, or blend it with frozen fruits for a smoothie twist. It can even be used in baking or mixed with iced tea for a fruity infusion.