Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Mocktail or Cocktail)

4.91 from 11 votes

Perfectly refreshing and so simple to make, this homemade strawberry lemonade is the ideal drink for summer. Enjoy with or without alcohol.

Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.

Prep Time15

Cook Time5

Total Time20

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Servings: people

2 cups of water
1 cup white sugar
10 strawberries with the ends cut off, fresh ripe are best but, frozen will work
1 cup of lemon juice about 6 lemons, freshly squeezed
¾ cup of vodka optional, gin or white rum also work

Add the water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat and let it heat for 5 minutes then remove the pot from the heat and let it cool completely.
2 cups of water, 1 cup white sugar
Add the strawberries, lemon juice, vodka (if using) and cooled syrup to a blender and blend until smooth.
10 strawberries, 1 cup of lemon juice, ¾ cup of vodka
Place a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and strain the lemonade into the pitcher.
Serve over ice, sliced lemons, and strawberries and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Don't add ice to the pitcher; instead, pour the strawberry lemonade over ice in glasses. If you add ice directly to the pitcher, it will melt and dilute the drink.
Don't be tempted to use bottled lemon juice for this recipe. It won't have the same zing. Trust me, it's worth juicing fresh!
Nutritional values are based on one of six drinks without vodka.