Introduction
Nothing beats a chilled glass of strawberry-lemonade on a hot summer day. It’s fruity, it’s tangy, and when made fresh at home, it’s downright irresistible. This Strawberry-Lemonade Concentrate recipe allows you to bottle up that vibrant flavor so you can enjoy it anytime—with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging on the patio, or prepping drinks for a picnic, this concentrate is a must-have. Best of all, it’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients and offers limitless possibilities for customization.
Let’s explore how to make this summery favorite from scratch—and how to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry-Lemonade Concentrate
This homemade drink concentrate isn’t just delicious—it’s practical and versatile.
- Simple to Make: No fancy tools or special skills required. You only need a blender, a saucepan, and a fine-mesh strainer.
- Fresh and Natural: You control the sweetness, ingredients, and intensity of flavor.
- Multi-Use Magic: Turn it into lemonade, mocktails, cocktails, slushies, or even dessert toppings.
Whether you’re reducing sugar or trying new fruit combos, this recipe can flex to fit your lifestyle.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6 medium lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Blend the Fruit Base
Add the sliced strawberries and lemon juice to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. This creates the vibrant base of your concentrate.
Make a Simple Syrup
In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Combine and Blend Again
Pour the cooled simple syrup into the blender with the strawberry-lemon mixture. Blend until fully combined and smooth.
Strain for Smoothness
Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a clean container. This step removes seeds and pulp, resulting in a silky concentrate.
Cool and Store
Let the mixture cool completely. Transfer to an airtight glass bottle or jar and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 2 weeks when properly stored.
Pro Tip
For an even deeper berry flavor, let the strawberry and lemon juice mixture rest in the refrigerator for a few hours—or overnight—before adding the syrup and straining.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use Ripe, Juicy Strawberries: Peak-season strawberries will deliver the richest flavor and color.
- Fresh Lemon Juice is Key: Bottled juice won’t have the same brightness or zing.
- Customize Sweetness: Taste the blended base before combining with syrup. If you prefer tart over sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Double Strain for Extra Smoothness: Want a clear, refined drink? Run the concentrate through a fine sieve twice.
- Use a Glass Container: Glass preserves the flavor better than plastic and keeps odors away.
Creative Variations to Try
Don’t stop at strawberries and lemons. Here are fun ways to switch it up:
Blueberry-Lemonade Concentrate
Substitute blueberries for strawberries. The result? A vibrant, deep purple drink with a sweet-tart balance.
Honey Lemonade Version
Replace granulated sugar with honey for a more floral, natural sweetness. Use slightly less honey than sugar since it’s sweeter by volume.
Limeade Concentrate
Swap lemons for limes to create a zingy, green-tinged concentrate. This version pairs well with coconut water or ginger beer.
Sugar-Free Option
Use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Start with half the recommended amount, then adjust to taste.
Serving Ideas to Enjoy Your Concentrate
Now comes the fun part—using your concentrate in creative, refreshing ways.
Classic Strawberry-Lemonade
Mix 1 part concentrate with 3 parts cold water. Serve over ice with a lemon slice and a sprig of mint.
Sparkling Lemonade
Mix with club soda or sparkling mineral water for a fizzy treat that’s perfect for parties.
Strawberry-Lemonade Slushie
Add the concentrate and ice to a blender and pulse until you get a smooth, icy consistency.
Summer Mocktails
Combine with ginger ale, tonic water, or flavored sparkling water for a refreshing, alcohol-free cocktail.
Boozy Cocktail
Add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum to the mix for an adult twist on a summer favorite.
Dessert Syrup
Drizzle over vanilla ice cream, waffles, or cheesecake for a fruity punch of flavor.
Storing and Preserving
- Refrigerate in Airtight Glass Jars: Keeps fresh for up to 14 days.
- Freeze for Later Use: Pour into ice cube trays or freezer-safe bags and freeze. Use frozen cubes in drinks or smoothies.
- Label and Date: Always mark your storage container so you know when it was made.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade Strawberry-Lemonade Concentrate last?
Stored in the fridge in a sealed container, it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it.
Can I freeze the concentrate?
Yes. Freeze in ice cube trays or small airtight containers. Thaw as needed and mix with water to serve.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Thaw the frozen strawberries before blending for the best texture and flavor.
How much water should I add to serve?
The ideal ratio is 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best taste, but in a pinch, you can use bottled—just check for added preservatives or sugars.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Strawberry-Lemonade Concentrate is more than just a drink base—it’s your gateway to refreshing, customizable beverages that capture the essence of summer. With its tangy citrus notes, juicy berry flavor, and adjustable sweetness, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving it up by the glass, dressing up a dessert, or pouring it into popsicle molds, this concentrate is bound to impress.