Strawberry lemonade

Strawberry Lemonade: A Sweet and Aromatic Refreshment

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6

It's a hot summer day, and you feel the need for something refreshing to quench your thirst. What could be better than lemonade with fresh strawberries? This simple and quick recipe will delight you with an explosion of flavors and natural aromas, perfect for enjoying with family and friends. Strawberry lemonade is not just a delicious drink, but also a great way to enjoy seasonal fruits. So, let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 200 g sugar
- 200 ml water
- 1 lemon (well washed)
- 300 g fresh strawberries (choose sweet and ripe strawberries)
- 1 liter still or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Optional: a few fresh mint leaves for added flavor

Preparation:

1. Preparing the sugar syrup:
In a saucepan, add the sugar and 200 ml of water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and let it boil for a few minutes until the sugar is completely dissolved and begins to form a syrup. It’s important not to leave it on the heat too long to avoid caramelization. Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat.

2. Preparing the lemon:
Use a peeler or a small knife to cut thin strips of lemon peel. These strips will add an aromatic note to your syrup. Then, wash the lemon well, cut it in half, and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Make sure no seeds remain in the lemon juice.

3. Combining the ingredients:
Add the lemon peel strips and lemon juice to the warm syrup. Mix well and let the syrup cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a cool place (like the refrigerator) for about 30 minutes.

4. Preparing the strawberries:
Meanwhile, wash the strawberries under a stream of cold water, remove the stems, and place them in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth puree. If you like fruit pieces, you can leave the puree a bit coarser.

5. Mixing the lemonade:
Add the cooled syrup to the blender over the strawberry puree. Add 2-3 strips of lemon peel for added flavor and blend briefly until all ingredients are combined.

6. Finalizing the lemonade:
Finally, add a liter of still or sparkling water, according to your preference. If you want a more tart lemonade, you can add more lemon juice. Blend again for a few seconds until everything is well combined.

7. Serving:
Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry lemonade. If you have mint leaves, you can add them now for a decorative touch and fresh aroma. Enjoy this delicious drink, perfect for hot summer days.

Practical tips:

- Use ripe and sweet strawberries to achieve a more flavorful lemonade. You can check if the strawberries are ripe by their sweet smell.
- If you prefer a sweeter lemonade, you can add more sugar to the syrup, but be careful not to over-sweeten it to maintain the balance of flavors.
- This recipe is very versatile: you can replace strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as raspberries, peaches, or mangoes, to create unique variations of your lemonade.

Nutritional benefits:

Strawberry lemonade is not only delicious but also healthy! Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, having positive effects on the immune system and skin health. Additionally, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C and helps detoxify the body.

Calories:

A serving of strawberry lemonade contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used. It is a much healthier alternative compared to artificially sweetened soft drinks.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use alternative sweeteners?
Yes, you can use natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup, but adjust the quantity to achieve the desired taste.

- How can I store the lemonade?
Lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.

- Can I add alcohol?
Sure! This lemonade can easily be transformed into a delicious cocktail. You can add a little gin or vodka for a more sophisticated drink on summer evenings.

Serving suggestion:

For an extra touch of elegance, serve the strawberry lemonade in cocktail glasses decorated with a strip of lemon peel and a mint leaf. This will add a special charm and impress your guests!

So, now that you have all the necessary information, don’t hesitate! Prepare this strawberry lemonade and enjoy a refreshing and healthy treat. You can even play with the recipe and try different fruit combinations. Cooking is an art, and every recipe is an opportunity to express your creativity!