Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

This Taco Bell Strawberry Lemonade is a fresh, fruity drink made with real strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup. It’s fast to make, super refreshing, and honestly just cheaper and better than grabbing one every time you’re out.

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Quick Summary

• Prep time: 10 mins
• Cook time: 5 mins
• Flavor: sweet, tart, super fresh
• Great for: summer drinks, parties, kids, heatwave recovery

Why I Like This Recipe

Honestly? I wanted something cold and sweet that wasn’t just soda or another overpriced drink. This hit the spot. Real strawberries, real lemon juice, not complicated. You make a batch, stick it in the fridge, and you’re good for a few days. I’ve even poured it into a mason jar and pretended I was outdoorsy.

Ingredients

• ½ lb fresh strawberries (stems off)
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4½ to 5 cups water (split)
• 1½ cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice

How To Make Strawberry Lemonade

1. Blend the berries: Toss strawberries in a blender. Blend until smooth. If seeds annoy you, strain it through a mesh sieve.
2. Make simple syrup: In a small pot, mix 2 cups of the water and all the sugar. Bring to a boil, stir until sugar melts. Let it cool down a bit.
3. Mix everything: Pour lemon juice into a pitcher (strain it first if you don’t want pulp). Add in the syrup and blended strawberries. Stir it up.
4. Finish with water: Add the remaining 2½–3 cups of cold water, depending on how strong you want it. Stir again. Taste and adjust if needed.
5. Serve cold: Ice in the glass. Maybe a lemon slice if you’re being fancy. Done.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh lemons. Bottle juice doesn’t hit the same.
• If your strawberries aren’t super sweet, just up the sugar a little.
• Chill it before serving — warm lemonade just feels wrong.
• Strain if you want smooth, keep it pulpy if you like texture.
• You can freeze leftover puree in cubes for next time.

Storage

• Fridge: Stays good 2–3 days in a sealed pitcher. Stir before pouring — it can settle.
• Freezer Hack: Freeze into cubes or popsicle molds. It’s like a slushy treat later.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen strawberries?
  Totally. Thaw them first and drain extra liquid so it’s not watered down.
• What if I don’t have a blender?
  Mash them with a fork or potato masher. Not as smooth, but it works.
• Too sweet?
  Add a little more lemon juice or water.
• Too tart?
  Add a bit more syrup. Or honey if you’re feeling it.
• Can I make this ahead?
  Yep. Just keep it in the fridge and stir before serving.

Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them

• Strawberries not ripe:
  You’ll end up with a weak flavor. Use ripe or slightly overripe ones.
• Too much sugar at once:
  Always taste before dumping more in. You can add, but can’t un-sugar it.
• Lemon juice with pulp/seeds:
  Strain it unless you like chewing your lemonade.
• No chilling:
  Warm lemonade is weird. Chill it first or add plenty of ice.
• Forgetting to stir before serving:
  The puree settles at the bottom. Just give it a good mix.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~187 kcal
• Carbs: 48g
• Sugar: 45g
• Potassium: 103mg
• Vitamin C: 39mg
• Sodium: 9mg
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g