A Burst of Summer in Every Sip
It started with a heatwave, two restless kids, and a near-empty fridge. We were out of juice boxes, and the girls were begging for “something pink and icy.” I spotted a basket of strawberries on the counter just soft enough to sweeten, just ripe enough to save. That’s when the idea hit: let’s make lemonade… but with strawberry magic.
I blended the berries into a smooth, glossy puree, stirred it into fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and served it in their favorite pink glasses with striped paper straws and little flower toppers. The moment they took a sip, their eyes lit up.
Now? They won’t drink lemonade any other way. It has to be with strawberry puree, in those exact glasses, with those same decorations. And honestly, I get it. It’s more than a drink it’s a moment.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make strawberry puree for lemonade that’s smooth, fruity, and fun to serve—you’re in the right place.
how to make strawberry puree for lemonade
You’ll need
To make this strawberry puree perfect for lemonade, you only need a few simple ingredients but together, they create that fresh, bright burst of summer in every sip.
I start with ½ pound of fresh strawberries, stems removed. If they’re super ripe, that’s even better—they’ll break down faster and taste naturally sweet. You can also use frozen strawberries, just make sure they’re fully thawed first.
Next comes the sweetness: 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar. It may seem like a lot, but remember, this is your base for mixing into lemonade with strawberry puree you’re making a kind of shortcut strawberry syrup.
Then you’ll need about 4 ½ to 5 cups of water, divided. Some goes into macerating the strawberries with sugar (hello, soft and juicy!), and the rest blends everything into a smooth, pourable texture.
Finally, 1 ½ cups of fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Don’t skip this part it brightens the whole thing and balances the sweetness with just the right zip.
Step by step Instructions
Here’s exactly how to make strawberry puree for lemonade from scratch using just fresh strawberries, lemon juice, sugar, and a blender—no syrups or concentrates needed.
Start by macerating the strawberries in sugar. Place the cleaned, halved strawberries in a bowl, sprinkle them with sugar, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. They’ll start to release their juices and soften beautifully this step adds depth and sweetness to your puree.
Next, transfer everything into a blender. Add about 1 cup of water and blend until extremely smooth. If your kids aren’t fans of pulp, this is where you take your time you want that puree to be as silky as a smoothie.
Now, strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove any seeds or pulp. It takes a minute, but the result is worth it: a velvety, clean strawberry base that looks as good as it tastes.
Pour in the rest of the water and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, then stir to combine. Give it a taste and adjust sweetness if needed—I sometimes add a spoonful of honey if my berries were extra tart.
Finally, chill before serving, or pour over ice for instant refreshment. You can even freeze the puree into ice cubes for future lemonade days!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
how to make strawberry puree for lemonade
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 7 cups lemonade (with puree) 1x
Description
A fresh and vibrant strawberry puree for lemonade made with just strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Silky smooth, kid-approved, and perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
½ pound fresh strawberries, stems removed
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
4 ½ to 5 cups water, divided
1 ½ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Place strawberries in a bowl with sugar and let them macerate for 15 minutes until juicy.
Transfer strawberries and 1 cup water to a blender. Blend until extremely smooth.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for a smooth texture (optional).
Pour into a pitcher, add remaining water and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Stir well to combine and adjust sweetness to taste.
Chill before serving or pour over ice. Freeze extra puree in cubes for future use.
Notes
Works with fresh or frozen (thawed) strawberries.
Freeze leftover strawberry puree for lemonade in silicone molds.
Add to sparkling water for a quick strawberry soda.
Skip straining if kids don’t mind texture—it’s extra fiber!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: drinks
- Method: Blend + Mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 140kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 0.5g
Keywords: how to make strawberry puree for lemonade, strawberry syrup for lemonade, lemonade with strawberry puree, strawberry lemonade recipe, fruit puree for drinks
Busy Mom Tips
Make a big batch and freeze it : Pour days like summer playdates or last-minute parties, pour your strawberry puree into ice cube trays. Pop a few into a glass of lemonade and voilà instant flavor and chill.
Use frozen strawberries : No fresh berries? No problem. Thawed frozen strawberries work just as well, and they blend even more smoothly.
Strawberry ice cubes = next-level fun Freeze the puree into silicone molds stars, hearts, whatever you have. Your kids will love watching their lemonade turn pink with every melt.
Prep ahead : You can make this strawberry puree for lemonade up to 5 days in advance and keep it chilled in a mason jar. I like to label it “Princess Lemonade Mix” and let the girls “bartend.”
Use it in more than lemonade A spoonful in sparkling water? A swirl in plain yogurt? A drizzle on pancakes? Yes, yes, and yes.
FAQ – Strawberry Puree for Lemonade
What is strawberry puree made of?
Strawberry puree is made by blending strawberries fresh or frozen with sugar and a bit of water. For lemonade, it’s often mixed with fresh-squeezed lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
How do you make strawberry lemonade?
Make a batch of strawberry puree, then combine it with lemon juice, water, and ice. Adjust sweetness to taste and chill before serving. You can also blend it all together for a smoothie-style lemonade.
How to make strawberry concentrate for lemonade?
To make a thicker strawberry syrup or concentrate, use less water and cook the puree gently until it reduces. Strain it and chill before mixing with lemonade.
Can you blend strawberries and lemonade?
Yes! You can blend strawberries directly with lemonade for a super fruity drink. But for a smoother finish, it’s best to make the strawberry puree first, strain it, then stir into your lemonade.
Save & Savor: How to Make Strawberry Puree for Lemonade That Lasts
Once you learn how to make strawberry puree for lemonade, it becomes more than a one-time recipe it’s a fridge staple. This strawberry puree for lemonade keeps beautifully in a sealed jar for up to 5 days, or even longer when frozen into ice cubes. Drop a cube into sparkling water for a fizzy treat, swirl it into yogurt, or mix with honey for a quick fruit dressing.
What I love most is how flexible it is. Whether you’re adjusting sweetness to taste, using it as a strawberry syrup for lemonade, or skipping the sieve for a rustic texture—it fits your rhythm. No more bottled drinks, no more mystery syrups. Just a bright, honest flavor your family will actually ask for.
So go ahead macerate those strawberries, blend until smooth, and watch your everyday lemonade turn into a little moment of magic.
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