Description
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade! This Strawberry Rose Lemonade features a homemade strawberry rose syrup for a sweet, floral, and tart summer drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rose water (food grade)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 4–5 cups cold water (adjust to taste)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish (optional)
- Rose petals (food grade, pesticide-free), for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, water, rose water, lemon juice, and salt.
- Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Cook Down: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the strawberries have softened and the syrup has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes. Place a fine-mesh sieve over a heat-proof bowl. Pour the strawberry mixture into the sieve, allowing the syrup to drain into the bowl. Use a spoon or spatula to gently press on the strawberries to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the strawberry pulp (or save it for another use).
- Cool Completely: Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the syrup to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the Lemon Juice: Juice your lemons! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for the best flavor.
- Combine Syrup and Lemon Juice: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled strawberry rose syrup and the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add Water: Add 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. If it’s too tart, add more strawberry rose syrup, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice or water.
- Add More Water (if needed): If the lemonade is too strong, add the remaining cup of water, or more, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the Strawberry Rose Lemonade over the ice.
- Garnish (Optional): Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, food-grade rose petals, and/or lemon slices.
Notes
- Substitute sparkling water or club soda for the still water for a fizzy and refreshing twist.
- Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil to the pitcher while the lemonade is chilling for a subtle herbal flavor.
- Experiment with other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, in place of the strawberries.
- If you can’t find rose water, you can use rose extract, but be very careful! Rose extract is much more concentrated than rose water, so start with just a few drops and add more to taste.
- You can substitute the granulated sugar in the syrup with other sweeteners, such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup. Keep in mind that these sweeteners will affect the flavor of the syrup.
- The strawberry rose syrup can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat.
- Add a shot of vodka or gin to each glass for an adult version of this refreshing drink.
- If you’re planning on using rose petals as a garnish, it’s crucial to use food-grade, pesticide-free roses.
- The amount of sugar and lemon juice in this recipe can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes