This strawberry lemonade is sweet, tangy, and packed with real berry flavor—it’s the prettiest pink drink you’ll sip all season.
It’s fast, easy, and the kind of summer recipe you’ll want to make on repeat (and probably share with everyone you know).

Made with ripe strawberries, simple syrup, and a cozy blend of honey and granulated sugar (or white sugar, if that’s what’s in your pantry). This is the kind of easy strawberry lemonade recipe that truly tastes like sunshine. Just grab a bunch of lemons, a few cups of water, and you’re already halfway there.

You’ll blend the berries into a smooth strawberry purée. Stir in fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Mix it all with the remaining water until you hit that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Pour it into a large pitcher. Chill it, and serve it over ice cubes with a few lemon slices or mint leaves for an extra-refreshing finish.

This recipe has become a staple of our Strawberry Girl Summer traditions. I created it myself after a long day in the cottage garden one hot summer—it’s a seasonal favorite here at The Modern Day Cottage. Whether you’re prepping for a backyard party, filling an ice cube tray for frozen lemonade cubes, or packing it up for a cozy picnic, this fresh strawberry lemonade delivers on both flavor and charm.

Made with simple ingredients and just a few tools—a blender or a food processor, a small saucepan, and a fine mesh strainer—this is a refreshing summer drink that’s as beautiful as it is easy. It’s one of those cottagecore recipes that truly captures the season, especially when paired with our Strawberry Shortcake, homemade popsicles(coming soon…), or your very own Strawberry Girl Summer Bucket List(coming soon…).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, real ingredients – This lemonade is made with fresh-squeezed lemon juice, juicy strawberries, and honey(I love and use Wildflower Honey from Azure Standard). You can truly taste the difference—bright, crisp, and full of natural flavor.
• So simple to make – Just blend, stir, and chill. With a few pantry staples and a handful of berries, you’ll have the prettiest pink drink ready in minutes.
• Perfect for summer days – Serve it cold on a hot afternoon, or pour it into a mason jar for a breezy porch moment. It’s light, refreshing, and feels like sunshine in a glass.
• Charming and shareable – This lemonade is as lovely to look at as it is to sip. It’s the kind of recipe friends and family ask for after the first taste.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries – They bring bright, fruity flavor and that gorgeous blush pink color to every sip.
• Wildflower honey – Adds a warm, floral sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tart lemon.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice – Gives this lemonade its classic tang and refreshing citrus burst.

Find the full list of ingredients and exact measurements in the printable recipe card below.

Creative Twists & Variations

• Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade – Swap some of the water for sparkling mineral water just before serving for a bubbly, refreshing twist. Perfect for picnics or summer brunch.
• Vanilla Blush Lemonade – Add ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for a soft, cozy note that makes the lemonade feel like a treat.
• Mint-Infused Lemonade – Stir in a few fresh mint leaves for a cool, herbaceous flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet-tart base.
• Frozen Lemonade Popsicles – Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for a sweet summer treat the kids (and adults) will love.
• Honey Citrus Punch – Serve it in a punch bowl with orange slices and edible flowers for a charming garden party upgrade.

Tools You May Need

• Blender or food processor – Used to purée the fresh strawberries until smooth for that rich berry flavor and beautiful color.
• Small saucepan – Perfect for gently warming the honey and sugar into a smooth, pourable, simple syrup.
• Fine mesh strainer – Optional, but helpful if you prefer a seed-free lemonade with a silky-smooth finish.
• Citrus juicer – Makes squeezing a bunch of lemons quick and easy, and helps you get every last drop.
  

How to Make Strawberry Blush Lemonade

Step 1: Hull the strawberries and place them in a blender or food processor with 1 cup of water. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant strawberry purée.

Step 2: (Optional) For a smoother lemonade, strain the purée through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds. This step is totally based on your texture preference.

Step 3: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, cane sugar(use whatever sugar you have on hand), and 1 cup of water. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently, until everything dissolves into a simple syrup.

Step 4: Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool slightly. This helps the flavors blend without heating the lemon juice.

Step 5: In a large pitcher, stir together the strawberry purée, honey-sugar syrup, fresh lemon juice from your whole lemons, and the remaining water (3 cups). Adjust the cups of water to your taste—more for a lighter sip, less for a bolder flavor.

Step 6: (Optional) Stir in the vanilla for a cozy twist or tuck in a few fresh mint leaves for a cooling pop of flavor.

Step 7: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour. This lets the flavors mingle and creates that perfect chilled taste.

Step 8: Pour over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices, mint, or extra strawberries.

Serve in mason jars or your favorite vintage glassware for a sweet summer moment.

Tips

• Let the syrup cool before mixing – Adding hot syrup to the lemon juice can dull the flavor, so give it a few minutes to rest first.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries – The fresher and juicier the berries, the more vibrant your lemonade will taste.
• Adjust the water to taste – For a bolder flavor, use less water; for a lighter sip, add a little more until it’s just right for you.
• Chill thoroughly before serving – A full hour in the fridge makes a big difference in flavor and refreshment.
• Blend and strain if you prefer smooth – Straining the purée is optional, but it does give a silkier, more delicate texture to each glass.
• Make a double batch – This recipe is always a hit, so go ahead and make extra. It stores well and disappears fast on hot days.
  

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate in a sealed pitcher – Store leftover lemonade in the fridge for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
• Give it a stir before serving – Natural separation may occur, so just stir gently or give the pitcher a swirl to bring it back together.
• Freeze into cubes or popsicles – Pour extra lemonade into ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun way to enjoy it later.
• Freeze leftovers in a freezer bag – Lay it flat to save space and use later for popsicles or slushies.
  

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just thaw them first so they blend smoothly. The flavor will still be delicious, though fresh strawberries add a brighter, more vibrant taste.

What’s the best sweetener to use for strawberry lemonade?

We love using wildflower honey and organic cane sugar for depth and warmth, but you can also try maple syrup or pure cane sugar, depending on what you have on hand.

How do I make this lemonade sparkling?

Simply swap some of the cold water with sparkling mineral water just before serving. It adds a refreshing bubbly twist without changing the flavor too much.

What can I serve with strawberry lemonade?

It’s perfect with light summer snacks or cozy bakes. Try it with our Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread on a bagel or toast, or a slice of Sourdough Vanilla Cake for an afternoon treat.

More Cozy Recipes from the Cottage;

• Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread – Light, fruity, and perfect on a warm bagel or slice of toast. It’s a sweet little match for your glass of lemonade.
• Sourdough Vanilla Cake with Fresh Milled Flour – A soft and cozy cake that balances the lemonade’s tartness with just the right hint of vanilla warmth.
• Homemade Sourdough Animal Crackers – Sweet, simple, and fun to make—these little crackers make an adorable picnic or tea-time pairing.
• Strawberry and Cream Popsicles (coming soon!) – Keep the strawberry theme going strong with these creamy, dreamy frozen treats.

Perfect Pairings for This Lemonade;

• Whipped Strawberry Cream Cheese Spread – Spread on a toasted bagel or sourdough slice, this creamy pink topping matches the lemonade’s fruity charm.
• Sourdough Vanilla Cake – Light, simple, and just sweet enough to complement the tartness of the lemonade without overpowering it.
• Sourdough Beignets – Soft, pillowy, and dusted with powdered sugar—these pair beautifully with a cold glass of lemonade on a warm afternoon.
• Strawberry and Cream Popsicles (coming soon!) – A double strawberry moment that’s as fun as it is refreshing. Save the lemonade leftovers for a poptail twist!
• Homemade Sourdough Animal Crackers – Light, buttery, and just a bit nostalgic—perfect for a sweet-and-salty tea-time pairing.

If you make this recipe and love it, I’d be so grateful if you came back to leave a 5 ⭐️ rating. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram  @themoderndaycottage. I love seeing and sharing all of your creations!!