Get ready to quench your thirst with pure summer nostalgia! State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is the happiest blend of tart lemons and juicy strawberries, sweetened just right and poured over mountains of ice. Imagine you’re at the fairgrounds, sun shining, and a frosty cup in your hand—this recipe brings that vibrant, fruity, utterly refreshing experience home. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, a picnic, or just craving a vibrant drink, State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is your ticket to a sip of sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 3/4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
How to Make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Grab those gorgeous strawberries and toss them into your blender with a splash (about 1/4 cup) of water. Blend until everything is completely smooth and rosy. If you’re not a fan of seeds, feel free to strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve for a truly smooth lemonade base.
Step 2: Mix the Lemon Juice and Sugar
In a big pitcher, combine all your freshly squeezed lemon juice with the granulated sugar. Stir, stir, stir—this step ensures your lemonade won’t have any sugary crunch, just a silky-sweet balance of tart and sweet.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Puree and Water
Time for the magic! Pour your silky strawberry puree into the pitcher, then top off with the remaining cold water. Give everything a thorough stir until it’s blended into a beautiful, even shade of pink.
Step 4: Chill
Let the pitcher hang out in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld and ensures your State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is icy-cold and utterly refreshing when you pour it.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
When you’re ready, fill your glasses with plenty of ice and pour over the lemonade. Top each cup with a lemon slice and a whole strawberry if you’re celebrating, or simply sip and smile!
How to Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Garnishes
The right garnish makes every glass of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade feel like a treat. Add a lemon wheel to the rim, pop in a juicy berry for color, or even a sprig of mint to dial up the freshness. These final flourishes make your drink look straight out of a fairground stand!
Side Dishes
Sip your lemonade alongside summery favorites like grilled corn on the cob, classic funnel cake, or a fresh fruit salad. The tangy-sweet notes of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade play perfectly with salty snacks, barbecued bites, or crispy potato chips if you want that true fair food vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade in mason jars with striped straws for a nostalgic, Insta-worthy look. Try making lemonade ice cubes (just freeze some of the drink in molds) so every sip stays bold and never watered down. Or set up a DIY lemonade bar with bowls of fruit for custom garnishes—kids and grownups alike will love personalizing every glass.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover State Fair Strawberry Lemonade chilled in an airtight pitcher or jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as separation is totally normal—just a sign of all those juicy, real ingredients doing their thing.
Freezing
Want to savor State Fair Strawberry Lemonade all summer long? Pour any extra lemonade into ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers. The cubes are delicious added to water, sparkling soda, or blended into slushies, and the lemonade keeps its perky flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating
This refreshing drink is best served cold! No need to reheat State Fair Strawberry Lemonade, but if you’ve frozen it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Give it a vigorous stir, and it’ll taste every bit as bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work wonderfully—just let them thaw a bit, then blend. They might even make your lemonade extra cold and slushy, which is always a bonus on a hot day.
How can I make it less sweet or more sweet?
You control the sweetness! Taste your strawberry puree and adjust the sugar to your liking. Start with a little less, since you can always stir in more before serving if needed.
Is there a way to make this sparkling?
Yes! Swap out up to half of the cold water for sparkling water right before serving to give your State Fair Strawberry Lemonade a fizzy twist. Just add it last so all those playful bubbles stay lively.
Can I make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade ahead for a party?
Definitely. Mix the lemonade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving, and wait to add any sparkling water or garnish until right before guests arrive for the freshest result.
Does this recipe work as a cocktail base?
It’s fantastic! State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is the perfect base for summery cocktails. Try adding a splash of vodka, white rum, or even sparkling wine for a grown-up, fair-inspired sip.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about a big pitcher of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade—it’s pure, feel-good refreshment, no matter the occasion. Make a batch today and let that sweet-tart, sunshiny flavor transport you right to the happiest summer memories. Cheers!
Print
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Quench your thirst with this refreshing State Fair Strawberry Lemonade recipe. Made with fresh strawberries, zesty lemon juice, and a hint of sweetness, it’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1/4 cup water
For the Lemonade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 3/4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and extra strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, combine the strawberries and 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, stir together the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Add the strawberry puree and remaining cold water. Stir well to combine.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries if desired.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
- For a fizzy twist, substitute half of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
