Nothing beats a refreshing summer drink like this easy homemade strawberry lemonade recipe on a hot summer day. Made with fresh strawberries, fresh lemons, and simple ingredients, it has the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make at home!

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or just craving something cool, this homemade strawberry lemonade recipe is a great way to stay refreshed.

No need for store-bought lemonade—this version uses real fruit for a bold, natural flavor that’s hard to beat.

Deep Dive – How Long Has Lemonade Been Around?

Lemonade’s history is as refreshing as the drink itself! The earliest records of a lemon-based beverage date back to 10th-century Egypt, where a drink called qatarmizat—a mix of lemon juice and sugar—was enjoyed locally and even exported.

Fast forward to 17th-century Paris, and lemonade had evolved into a popular sparkling drink. In 1676, the Compagnie de Limonadiers was established, with vendors selling lemonade from tanks strapped to their backs.

As lemons and sugar became more accessible, lemonade’s popularity spread across Europe and eventually to America. In the U.S., it became a summertime staple, often associated with childhood memories of lemonade stands and picnics.

Interestingly, the temperance movement in the 19th century promoted lemonade as a wholesome alternative to alcoholic beverages, further cementing its place in American culture.

Ingredients for this Easy Strawberry lemonade recipe

This recipe calls for simple ingredients, found in any grocery store. Each one plays a key role in bringing out the best flavors with fresh ingredients:

Fresh strawberries: Blended into a smooth strawberry puree, they give this drink its signature pink lemonade color and fruity flavor.
Fresh lemon juice: Using fresh lemons instead of bottled juice makes a huge difference in taste. A citrus juicer helps extract the most juice.
Sweetener of choice: Whether you prefer monk fruit, granulated sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar, adjusting the sweetness level is easy.
Cold water: Helps dilute the tartness and bring everything together for a balanced, smooth sip.

Take a look at the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Add-ons & Substitutions

Looking to switch things up? Here are some fun ideas:

Swap strawberries for raspberries, or mix in cranberry juice for a deeper berry flavor.
Try a strawberry limeade version by replacing some of the lemon juice with lime juice.
Want some fizz? Add club soda instead of water for a refreshing summer cocktail twist.
For a tropical twist, blend in a little mango lemonade or even watermelon lemonade.
Sweeteners: Instead of monk fruit like I used, try any sugar like organic cane sugar, maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar (different sweeteners may alter the final taste)

How to make this Easy Strawberry Lemonade

First, squeeze all of your lemon until you reach 3/4 Cup; then clean and cut your strawberries

Next, measure your sweetener and water; add all of your ingredients to a blender and blend until no strawberry chunks are left.

Pour through a fine-mesh strainer if you prefer a pulp-free texture.

Serve over ice cubes with lemon slices for an extra refreshing touch.

Expert Tips

A large pitcher is perfect for making a big batch, and it looks beautiful with floating lemon chunks and fresh mint.
Use ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen berries work, too.
Let the strawberry mixture sit for a few minutes before serving—it helps the flavors meld.
A small saucepan on medium heat can be used to make a simple syrup with granulated sugar and water if you prefer a smoother texture.