The State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is a vibrant, refreshing drink that captures the very essence of summer in a glass. Bursting with the bright, juicy flavor of freshly picked strawberries and the zesty tang of real lemon juice, this beverage is both delightfully sweet and satisfyingly tart. It’s incredibly simple to make yet impressively flavorful, perfect for cooling down on warm days or serving at your next get-together. Whether you’re a longtime fan of strawberry lemonade or discovering it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a go-to classic in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, as well as the appealing color and texture that make strawberry lemonade so irresistible. Best of all, these ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it an accessible treat for everyone.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved: Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and brilliant red color, forming the heart of the lemonade.
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons): Lemon juice adds the refreshing tartness that brightens the entire drink.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sugar balances the lemon’s acidity and highlights the strawberries’ sweetness; can be adjusted to taste.
- 4 cups cold water: Water dilutes the mixture just enough to keep it light and refreshing.
- Ice cubes: Essential for serving chilled, making every sip crisp and cool.
- Lemon slices and extra strawberries for garnish (optional): Garnishes add a pop of color and a festive touch that’s perfect for presentation.
How to Make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Start by placing your fresh strawberries and 1/4 cup of water into a blender. Blend them until completely smooth, creating a luscious puree that will infuse the lemonade with vibrant flavor and gorgeous color. For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to catch any seeds—this step is optional but highly recommended for a silky finish.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Juice and Sugar
Next, in a large pitcher, combine your freshly squeezed lemon juice with granulated sugar. Stir this mixture until the sugar is mostly dissolved. This ensures your lemonade has a perfectly cohesive sweetness that enhances rather than overpowers the natural tartness of the lemons.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the smooth strawberry puree to the lemon and sugar mixture, then pour in the remaining cold water. Stir everything together thoroughly, letting the flavors mingle effortlessly. This step brings together the fresh fruitiness with the citrusy brightness, making the lemonade incredibly refreshing.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
For the best experience, refrigerate your lemonade for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and ensures that when you serve it, the drink is perfectly cool, crisp, and ready to delight your taste buds.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice with Garnishes
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled strawberry lemonade over the top. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation and an extra burst of fruity flavor.
How to Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
Adding lemon slices and whole fresh strawberries not only makes your lemonade look irresistible but also infuses subtle hints of flavor with each sip. You can even thread strawberries onto cocktail picks or rim your glasses with sugar for a festive twist. These simple garnishes elevate your presentation from everyday to special occasion.
Side Dishes
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade pairs wonderfully with light, summery snacks like grilled chicken skewers, fresh garden salads, or tangy cheese boards. The fruity brightness of the drink complements savory dishes while cleansing the palate, making it a perfect companion for casual outdoor meals or picnics.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your lemonade in mason jars for a charming rustic vibe or in tall glasses with colorful striped straws to bring a playful, festive feel to your table. For gatherings, make a large batch in a beverage dispenser so guests can help themselves. Adding a splash of sparkling water just before serving gives the drink a fun, fizzy lift that feels just like a fairground treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before pouring to remix any settled ingredients.
Freezing
You can freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays to create strawberry lemonade ice cubes, which are fantastic for keeping the drink cold without diluting it as they melt. Avoid freezing the entire batch as it may lose some freshness when thawed.
Reheating
This lemonade is best served cold and does not require reheating. If you prefer a warm drink, consider using the fresh lemon juice and strawberry components in a hot tea instead, but know that the classic recipe shines brightest chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well when fresh are out of season. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before blending to maintain the right consistency and vibrant flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the lemonade?
The sugar amount can easily be modified depending on your taste and how sweet your strawberries are naturally. Start with 3/4 cup and add more gradually if you prefer a sweeter lemonade.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! This State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is a family-friendly beverage without any caffeine or alcohol, making it perfect for kids and adults alike.
Can I make this lemonade fizzy?
Definitely! For a sparkling twist, substitute half of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving. This adds a lively fizz reminiscent of festive summer fairs.
How long does this lemonade last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight pitcher or container, your strawberry lemonade will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a bright, refreshing drink that feels like summer in every sip, the State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Go ahead, whip up a batch, and let this lovely lemonade bring a burst of sunshine to your day!
Print
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing and vibrant summer beverage that combines the sweet flavor of fresh strawberries with the tangy zest of fresh lemon juice. Perfectly sweetened and served over ice, this homemade lemonade is easy to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a delightful way to cool down and celebrate the tastes of the season.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup water (for blending)
Lemonade Base
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 3/4 cups cold water
To Serve
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
- Extra strawberries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, combine the strawberries and 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant strawberry puree. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds if desired.
- Prepare the Lemonade Base: In a large pitcher, stir together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar. Continue stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved, ensuring a balanced sweetness in the lemonade.
- Combine and Chill: Add the prepared strawberry puree and the remaining cold water (3 3/4 cups) to the lemon mixture. Stir well to fully incorporate all ingredients. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled strawberry lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with lemon slices and fresh strawberries if you like, adding a fresh and colorful touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to the natural sweetness of your strawberries to suit your taste preferences.
- For a fizzy and fun variation, replace half of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
- Make ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours for convenience.
