Fresh Strawberry Lemonade With Mint
This fresh strawberry lemonade with mint blends real strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and a hint of mint for one of the most refreshing homemade summer drinks around. Easy to make ahead, easy to customize, and the perfect drink for hot summer days.
Servings: 12 serves
Equipment
Ingredients
FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 mint leaves
FOR THE STRAWBERRY PUREE
- 2½ cups strawberries washed and hulled
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
FOR THE LEMONADE
- 2 cups lemon juice freshly squeezed, 8-12 lemons
- 5-7 cups water
FOR GARNISH (OPTIONAL)
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ¼ cup strawberries washed, hulled, halved
Instructions
FOR THE SIMPLE SYRUP
- Add the water, sugar, and mint leaves to a small saucepan. Bring to the boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Set aside to cool completely.
FOR THE STRAWBERRY PUREE
- Add the strawberries, sugar, and vanilla extract to a blender. Blend on high until pureed and well combined. Strain the puree through a fine sieve and set aside (see notes).
FOR THE LEMONADE
- In a large pitcher add the cooled simple syrup, strawberry puree, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Dilute with water to reach your desired flavor (see notes).
- Chill in the fridge until needed. When ready to serve, add ice and garnishes of choice to the pitcher.
Notes
Simple Syrup: You can make this ahead of time and store in a sealed jar.
Puree: Straining the strawberries through a sieve is optional, but is recommended for a clearer drink without the pulp.
Water: Flat water is the traditional ingredient, but you can also use sparkling mineral water (or a 50/50 mix of flat and sparkling) for a fizzy lemonade. If using sparkling water, add just before serving so it doesn't go flat.
Ice: Add ice to the pitcher just before serving - note that it will dilute the lemonade as it melts, so don't add too much. Alternatively add the ice to each glass instead.
Storage: Mixed lemonade can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also prepare the components (syrup, puree, and juice) ahead of time.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serve | Calories: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg