Red, ripe strawberries and tart, bright lemons are two of spring and summer’s most beloved fruits and when combined they make quite a delicious pair. Whirl them and swirl them together with a handful of crisp mint – bringing along the herb’s intoxicating floral fragrance – then sweeten with the nectar of the South. Top things off with a sparkling lemon soda and serve well chilled over ice. Such a delicious way to quench one’s thirst!
In Texas, the days before spring turns to summer there are frequent thunderstorms amidst waves of sultry heat. To navigate the season we decided to whip up a sweet glass of strawberry lemonade. It’s a simple concoction. Strawberries are blended into a classic lemonade then sweetened with simple syrup and scented with fresh mint.
Purée until smooth then pour it into a tall glass and finish with an extra note of lemon and a bit of fizz from a sparkling lemon soda.
Toss in some ice, give it a quick stir and just like that you’ve got a delightfully cold drink!
Now you’re ready to tackle the heat!
Strawberry Minted Lemonade
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of water
2 pounds of fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed and sliced
â…“ cup fresh mint, packed when measuring
2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 12 lemons
For serving: sparkling lemon soda and ice
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set the simple syrup aside to cool slightly.
Toss the strawberries and mint in a blender. Pour in the lemon juice and the simple syrup.
Process, starting on low speed then raising to high until the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds.
To serve, pour ¾ cup of the strawberry lemonade base into a tall cup followed by ¼ cup lemon soda and top off with ice.
Makes enough strawberry lemonade base for 8 to 9 servings.
Strawberry Minted Lemonade
Equipment
- small saucepan
- Blender
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, washed, stems removed and sliced
- â…“ cup fresh mint, packed when measuring
- 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 12 lemons
- For serving: sparkling lemon soda and ice
Instructions
- Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook stirring occasionally until the sugar has completely dissolved, about 12 to 15 minutes. Set the simple syrup aside to cool slightly.
- Toss the strawberries and mint in a blender. Pour in the lemon juice and the simple syrup.
- Process, starting on low speed then raising to high until the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds.
- To serve, pour ¾ cup of the strawberry lemonade base into a tall cup followed by ¼ cup lemon soda and top off with ice.
