Beverage

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

What would Summer look like if it could be transformed into a liquid and poured into a glass? After I…

What would Summer look like if it could be transformed into a liquid and poured into a glass? After I made and began to photograph this sparkling strawberry lemonade, I began to believe that I had a nominee for the “Summer in a Glass” award that exists only in my head ☺. At least in the “June” category, anyway.

That is the dreamy side of this beverage. The fact of the matter is that this drink tastes really good. The kids will love it poured over ice. The adults will love it mixed with vodka while appreciating a painted sky summer sunset. Mix it up and drink in the season.

A glass of pink strawberry lemonade with ice, a striped straw, and a lemon wedge garnish sits on a napkin. In the background, a small basket of fresh strawberries is slightly out of focus.

*Important Note*-If not serving to a crowd, keep the lemon syrup-strawberry mixture and the sparkling water separate until ready to drink so as not to lose desired fizziness.

Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

By Nicole Prep: 5 minsCook: 5 minsRefrigeration Time: 1 hrTotal: 1 hr 10 mins Servings: 6 A glass of pink strawberry lemonade with ice, a slice of lemon, and a striped straw sits on a white napkin. In the background are fresh strawberries, a pitcher, and more glasses of the drink.

A glass of pink strawberry lemonade with ice, a slice of lemon, and a striped straw sits on a white napkin. In the background are fresh strawberries, a pitcher, and more glasses of the drink.

This fizzy beverage is sweet Summer in a glass!

Equipment

High-speed blender
Fine-mesh strainer

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
3 strips, 3 ½ x 1 ½-inches of lemon peel, no white pith
1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 pint (16 ounces) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
3 cups cold sparkling water Lemon wedges for garnish

Alcoholic version

Add up to 1 cup of vodka to taste

Instructions

In a medium saucepan bring the water, sugar, and lemon peel to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool completely, remove lemon peel.
Meanwhile, in a blender puree the strawberries and lemon juice. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the solids. Pour the strawberry purée and cooled lemon syrup into a pitcher. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled.
When ready to serve, add the sparkling water and vodka if using, and stir well. Pour into glasses filled with ice, garnish with lemon wedges and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

If not serving to a crowd, keep the lemon syrup-strawberry mixture and the sparkling water separate until ready to drink so as not to lose desired fizziness.

Nutrition

Calories: 163kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 0.4g, Saturated Fat: 0.03g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 164mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 12IU, Vitamin C: 63mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.