Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing and delightful drink perfect for warm days. This fruity beverage combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of lemons, all topped off with bubbly sparkling water. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic lemonade with a fruity twist!
Why Make This Recipe
Making your own Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade at home is simple and rewarding. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, but you also avoid the added preservatives found in many store-bought drinks. This recipe is great for parties, picnics, or just to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. Plus, it’s a fun activity to do with family or friends!
How to Make Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Imperial Sugar Extra Fine Granulated Sugar
- 1 pound strawberries (hulled)
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4 cups sparkling water
Directions
- To make the simple syrup, combine sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool.
- Add the strawberries to the bowl of a food processor and process them until smooth, taking about 1-2 minutes.
- Strain the strawberry puree through a cheesecloth or fine sieve to remove the seeds.
- In a large pitcher, whisk together the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Place the mixture in the refrigerator until it’s chilled.
- Serve your Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade over ice and add sparkling water for that fizzy touch.
How to Serve Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is best served cold. Pour it over ice in tall glasses and top with sparkling water. You can garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon slices for an extra special touch. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing day at home.
How to Store Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
If you have leftovers, store any unconsumed Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher. To maintain the fizz, it’s best to add the sparkling water just before serving. The syrup and puree can be kept for up to a week in the fridge, just mix with sparkling water when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tips to Make Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet drink.
- Add more or less lemon juice depending on how tangy you like your lemonade.
- If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, try using a bit more strawberry puree.
Variation
You can try different fruits for a fun twist on this drink! Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for unique flavors. You can also mix berries together for a berry medley lemonade.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the strawberry puree and simple syrup in advance. Just mix everything together and add the sparkling water right before serving.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before processing.
3. Is there a sugar-free option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like Stevia or use honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
Enjoy making and sipping this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade—it’s sure to brighten your day!
Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
For the Simple Syrup
- ½ cup Imperial Sugar Extra Fine Granulated Sugar Adjust according to sweetness preference
- ½ cup water Used to dissolve sugar
For the Lemonade
- 1 pound strawberries (hulled) Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Adjust to taste
- 4 cups sparkling water Add just before serving for fizz
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine sugar and 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Let it cool.
- Add the strawberries to the bowl of a food processor and process them until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
- Strain the strawberry puree through a cheesecloth or fine sieve to remove the seeds.
- In a large pitcher, whisk together the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Refrigerate the mixture until chilled.
Serving
- Serve the Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade over ice and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or lemon slices if desired.
