Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

Name: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 cup sugar (to taste); 4 cups sparkling water; Ice cubes; Lemon slices and mint for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Seasonal Cooking Ideas

I absolutely love making Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade during the hot summer months. The vibrant red strawberries and the zesty lemon create a refreshing drink that is perfect for quenching my thirst. I can easily whip it up for a picnic or a family gathering, and the effervescence of sparkling water adds a fun twist. With just a few simple ingredients, I can enjoy a delightful drink that's not only tasty but also visually appealing. This lemonade has quickly become a favorite at my home!

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-01-30T05:15:28.423Z

When I first tried crafting this Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade, I was instantly drawn to how well the tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of the strawberries. I experimented with different ratios, and finally settled on a balance that creates a harmonious blend. Using fresh strawberries rather than a syrup really elevates the flavor, making it feel vibrant and alive.

What’s great about this lemonade is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. I’ve also found that including a few mint leaves enhances the overall taste. It’s a refreshing drink that I find myself returning to again and again!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Refreshing blend of fruity flavors and zesty lemon
Effervescent fizz that invigorates your senses
Perfect for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant gatherings

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When making Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade, the quality of your strawberries plays a crucial role in the overall flavor profile. I recommend choosing ripe, fragrant strawberries that are bright red without any white or green spots. Ideally, look for organic strawberries, as they tend to have more concentrated sweetness and flavor. If they aren't available, conventionally grown strawberries will also work, just ensure they are fresh and firm.

You can enhance the strawberry flavor by letting them macerate in sugar for about 15-20 minutes before blending. This process draws out the natural juices, intensifying their sweetness and flavor. If you find your strawberries are not as sweet as you'd like, feel free to adjust the sugar in the recipe after tasting the puree.

Perfecting the Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential in this recipe; bottled lemon juice often lacks the bright, tangy flavor that truly elevates the drink. To maximize juice extraction, I recommend rolling the lemons on the countertop with your palm before cutting them in half. This helps to break down the cells inside, making them easier to juice. On average, one medium-sized lemon yields about 2-3 tablespoons of juice.

If you want a more pronounced citrus flavor, consider adding lemon zest to the mixture. Zesting the lemons before juicing will bring an additional layer of aroma and brightness. Just be cautious not to include the bitter white pith, as it can alter the taste.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar (to taste)
4 cups sparkling water
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and mint for garnish (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and serve chilled for the best experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, discarding the solids. Set aside.

Combine Lemon Juice and Sugar

In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar. Stir well until the sugar fully dissolves.

Mix in Strawberry Puree

Add the strawberry puree to the pitcher and mix thoroughly to combine the flavors.

Add Sparkling Water

Slowly pour the sparkling water into the mixture, stirring gently to retain the bubbles.

Serve

Place ice cubes in glasses, pour the Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade over the ice, and garnish with lemon slices and mint if desired.

Enjoy your refreshing drink! This Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, feel free to add more berries. You can also substitute honey for sugar for a different sweetness profile.

Adjusting Sweetness and Fizz

Sweeter lemonade can enhance the overall enjoyment of this drink, especially if served over ice, which can dilute flavors. A good starting point is the 1/4 cup sugar suggested in the recipe, but I encourage you to taste and adjust to your personal preference. If you're looking for a healthier option, honey or agave syrup can be used as natural sweeteners, but note that they may impart different flavors.

To retain the fizz in your Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade, add the sparkling water as the last ingredient and stir gently. If the mixture sits too long before serving, the carbonation can dissipate. For serving, I recommend preparing the base (strawberry-lemon mixture) ahead of time and adding the sparkling water just before guests arrive.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade can be enjoyed as is, but there are countless ways to elevate this refreshing drink. For a fun adults-only version, adding a splash of vodka or gin can create a delightful cocktail. Consider infusing the drink with fresh herbs like basil or rosemary for an aromatic twist, which can be easily achieved by muddling the herbs before mixing.

If you find yourself with leftover lemonade, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, the sparkle may fade. To rejuvenate the fizz, I recommend mixing in more sparkling water right before serving. For a creative presentation, try freezing the lemonade in ice cube trays and using them in future batches to keep drinks cold without diluting the flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

→ How can I make this drink less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute to lower sweetness levels.

→ Can I add other fruits to this lemonade?

Absolutely! You can mix in other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed fruit flavor.

→ Is it possible to make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberry puree and lemon mixture ahead of time. Just add sparkling water right before serving for the best fizz.