Nothing says sunshine like a glass of sparkling strawberry lemonade. It’s sweet, tart, and fizzy in all the right ways, with a fresh berry flavor that feels like summer in a sip. This version keeps things simple and balanced, so it’s not syrupy or overly tart.
You can make a batch for a picnic, a backyard hangout, or a lazy afternoon on the couch. It looks beautiful, tastes even better, and comes together with just a few fresh ingredients.
What Makes This Special
This isn’t just lemonade with strawberries tossed in. It’s a bright, balanced drink that gets its flavor from real fruit and fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
The strawberries are blended into a quick puree, so you get pure berry flavor in every sip without chunky bits. The sparkle comes from chilled club soda or sparkling water, which keeps the sweetness in check. It’s also easy to scale up for a crowd, and you can make the base ahead of time.
Shopping List
- Fresh strawberries (about 1 pound, hulled)
- Lemons (6–8 medium, for about 1 cup of juice)
- Granulated sugar (or honey or agave, to taste)
- Water (for the simple syrup and dilution)
- Club soda or sparkling water (well-chilled)
- Ice
- Optional extras: fresh mint, sliced lemons or strawberries for garnish, a pinch of salt, or basil for a twist
How to Make It
- Make a quick simple syrup. Combine 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water in a small saucepan.
Warm over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool. This gives you smooth sweetness that won’t sink to the bottom.
- Blend the strawberries. Add the hulled strawberries to a blender with 2–3 tablespoons of water.
Blend until smooth. For a silky drink, push the puree through a fine strainer to remove seeds. If you like a little texture, you can skip straining.
- Juice the lemons. Roll the lemons on the counter to loosen the juice, then cut and squeeze.
You’re aiming for about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Strain out seeds and pulp if you prefer a cleaner drink.
- Build the lemonade base. In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, lemon juice, and 1/2 to 3/4 cup of the cooled simple syrup. Add 2 cups cold water and stir.
Taste and adjust: add more syrup for sweetness or a splash more lemon for tang.
- Chill thoroughly. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the base for at least 30 minutes. Cold base plus cold bubbles equals better fizz and flavor.
- Add the sparkle just before serving. Fill glasses with ice. Pour the chilled strawberry-lemon base halfway to two-thirds up each glass.
Top with club soda or sparkling water and give a gentle stir. Garnish with mint and sliced strawberries or lemon wheels.
- Serve right away. The bubbles are brightest when fresh. Keep extra club soda cold and top up as needed.
How to Store
Store the lemon-strawberry base (without the club soda) in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
Keep the simple syrup in a jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Once the drink is mixed with sparkling water, it’s best within an hour because the fizz will fade. If you want to prep ahead, keep the base and the bubbles separate until serving.
You can also freeze the base in ice cube trays; pop the cubes into glasses and top with sparkling water for instant, chilled lemonade.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Fresh and bright flavor: Real fruit and fresh lemon juice beat store-bought mixes every time.
- Customizable sweetness: Use more or less syrup, or swap in honey or agave to suit your taste.
- Make-ahead friendly: Mix the base in advance, add bubbles later.
- Kid-friendly and party-ready: Looks festive, tastes familiar, and feels special without alcohol.
- Light and refreshing: The club soda keeps it lively without being heavy or cloying.
What Not to Do
- Don’t add the sparkling water too early. Mix it in right before serving to keep the bubbles strong.
- Don’t skip tasting. Lemons and strawberries vary. Adjust sweetness and acidity so it’s balanced, not sharp or flat.
- Don’t serve it warm. Warm base plus ice equals quick dilution and weak flavor. Chill the base and the club soda first.
- Don’t over-blend with ice. If you want a slushy version, blend briefly.
Over-blending turns it watery.
- Don’t forget a pinch of salt. One tiny pinch can lift the flavors. Too much will taste odd, so keep it light.
Alternatives
- Sweeteners: Swap sugar syrup for honey syrup (equal parts honey and hot water) or agave. Start with less; these taste sweeter than sugar.
- Herbal twist: Add a few mint sprigs or basil leaves to the simple syrup while it cools, then strain.
It adds a soft, fragrant note.
- Citrus blend: Use half lemon and half lime juice for a punchier flavor, or add a splash of orange juice for roundness.
- Berry mix: Blend in raspberries or a handful of frozen strawberries to boost color and tang.
- Low-sugar option: Reduce syrup and let the strawberries carry more sweetness. You can also use a zero-calorie sweetener that dissolves well.
- Adult version: For a cocktail, add 1 to 1.5 ounces of vodka, gin, or white rum per glass. Keep the bubbles and ice plentiful.
- Still lemonade: Skip the club soda and top with cold water for a classic, non-sparkling version.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes.
Thaw them first so they blend smoothly, or blend from frozen with a splash of warm water. Frozen berries are often picked ripe and can be very flavorful.
How do I fix lemonade that’s too sour?
Add more simple syrup a little at a time, or stir in a splash of water. A tiny pinch of salt can also soften sharp edges without making it taste salty.
How do I make it less sweet?
Dial back the syrup and rely more on the berry puree.
You can also add extra club soda to lighten the sweetness in each glass.
What’s the best ratio of base to sparkling water?
Start with roughly 2 parts strawberry-lemon base to 1 part club soda. Adjust to taste; more base for flavor, more soda for a drier, bubblier sip.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Absolutely. Double or triple the base and keep it chilled in a dispenser.
Set out plenty of ice and chilled club soda, and let guests top off their glasses so the fizz stays fresh.
Do I have to strain the strawberry puree?
No. Straining gives a smoother drink and clearer color, but leaving the seeds adds texture and a slightly fuller berry taste. It’s a personal call.
How can I make it look extra pretty?
Use clear glasses, add a lemon wheel and a strawberry slice on the rim, tuck in a mint sprig, and add a few strawberry ice cubes if you have them.
Color and garnish go a long way.
Is there a way to make it ahead without losing fizz?
Yes. Prepare and chill the base only. Keep club soda sealed and cold.
Combine in glasses right before serving for maximum bubbles.
What if I don’t have a blender?
Mash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, then stir vigorously. You won’t get it as smooth, but the flavor will still shine.
How long does the simple syrup last?
Up to two weeks in the fridge in a sealed jar. Label the date so you know when you made it.
Wrapping Up
Sparkling strawberry lemonade is simple, fresh, and endlessly adaptable.
With a bright strawberry puree, real lemon juice, and plenty of chill and fizz, it hits that perfect sweet-tart balance. Make the base ahead, keep the bubbles cold, and pour just before serving. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, this is a glass that feels like a small celebration every time.