Healthy Strawberry Lemonade (Sugar Free) | Camila Made (2024)

What is Strawberry Lemonade?

Strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and flavorful drink made with freshly squeezed lemon juice, sweet strawberries, and sweetener. It is a delicious twist on traditional lemonade, with the addition of strawberry puree giving it a fruity and sweet flavor. Strawberry lemonade can be a refreshing beverage for guests on a hot day or a party drink. It can be made with or without added sugar and customized to personal preferences.

Ingredients

Note:The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is the main ingredient in lemonade and provides this beverage's tart and refreshing flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred as it contains no added preservatives and has a bright and fresh taste.
• Fresh Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are blended or processed into a smooth puree and added to the lemonade mixture to provide a sweet and fruity flavor.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: This is a natural, zero-calorie sweetener derived from monk fruit. It is an excellent alternative to traditional sugar for those seeking a healthier option.
• Filtered Water: Water is used to dilute the lemon and strawberry mixture and to make the lemonade less acidic.
• Ice Cubes: Ice cubes are added to the glass before pouring the lemonade over them to make the drink cold and refreshing.
• Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges can garnish the glass and add citrus flavor.

• Measuring Cups
• Food Processor

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade

Note:The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.

In a blender or food processor, add the strawberry and ½ cup of water; blend or purée until completely smooth. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher. (For pulp-free: pass the mixture through a sieve, if desired). Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice, remaining water, and sugar to the pitcher, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

Taste, and add more sugar, if necessary. Pour the strawberry lemonade into glasses with ice cubes and garnish with lemon wedges, if desired. The strawberry lemonade will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Enjoy!

Substitutions

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the preferred option for this recipe, but bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute. However, bottled lemon juice may have a different flavor profile and contain preservatives or additives.
• Fresh Strawberry Puree: If fresh strawberries are not available, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute. Thaw the strawberries and blend or process them into a puree. Other berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, can also create different drink variations.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener: If monk fruit sweetener is unavailable, other natural sweeteners such as stevia or erythritol can be used as a substitute. Alternatively, granulated sugar can be used if you don't mind the added calories.
• Water: Filtered water is used in this recipe to dilute the lemon and strawberry mixture. However, sparkling water can be used instead to add a fizzy texture to the drink.
• Ice Cubes: If you don't have ice cubes, chill the drink in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
• Lemon Wedges: Lemon wedges can be substituted with other citrus fruits, such as lime or orange, to add a different flavor profile to the drink. Alternatively, you can omit the citrus wedges altogether if you prefer.

Variations

• Mint Strawberry Lemonade: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the blender or food processor when making the strawberry puree to add a refreshing and herbaceous twist to the drink.
• Spicy Strawberry Lemonade: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a slice of fresh jalapeno to the blender or food processor when making the strawberry puree to add a spicy kick.
• Lavender Strawberry Lemonade: Infuse the lemonade with dried lavender flowers for a floral and fragrant twist. Add a handful of dried lavender flowers to the pitcher of lemonade and let it steep for a few hours before serving.
• Peach Strawberry Lemonade: Add a cup of fresh peach puree to the lemon and strawberry mixture to add a sweet and fruity flavor.
• Hibiscus Strawberry Lemonade: Brew a cup of hibiscus tea and add it to the lemon and strawberry mixture to create a deep red, tangy, floral drink.
• Pineapple Strawberry Lemonade: Add a cup of fresh pineapple puree to the lemon and strawberry mixture to add a tropical twist to the drink.

How to Serve

How to Store

Store any leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher or bottle for up to 2 days. Stir the lemonade well before serving, as the ingredients may settle over time.

Make-Ahead

You can prepare the puree and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Mix it according to the recipe instructions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover the pitcher or bottle with a lid or plastic wrap to prevent the lemonade from absorbing any flavors or odors from the fridge. When ready, combine the strawberry puree and lemonade in a pitcher and stir well. You can also add ice cubes and garnishes such as lemon wedges and fresh strawberries at this time.

Overall, preparing sugar-free strawberry lemonade can save you time and make serving easier when ready. Just store the strawberry puree and lemonade separately and combine them before serving for the best flavor.

Tips for Making The Best Strawberry Lemonade

• Use fresh ingredients: Use fresh lemons and strawberries for the best flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice or frozen strawberries, as they may taste differently.
• Use a blender or food processor: Use a blender or food processor to make the strawberry puree. This will ensure a smooth texture and evenly distributed flavor.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Everyone's taste buds are different, so adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. Taste the lemonade before serving and add more sweetener if needed.
• Use a fine sieve: If you prefer a pulp-free lemonade, pass the strawberry puree through a fine sieve to remove any seeds or solids.
• Chill the lemonade: Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and refresh the lemonade.
• Add ice cubes: Add ice cubes to the glasses before pouring the lemonade. This will make the drink even more refreshing and help to dilute the lemonade if it's too tart.

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