Honey Free Classic Strawberry Lemonade
Bright, tangy, and loaded with real fruit flavor, this strawberry lemonade is the kind of drink that makes a hot afternoon feel like a celebration. Some store-bought versions and copycat recipes sneak in honey as a sweetener, but this one keeps things simple with plain granulated sugar — no substitutions needed. The homemade strawberry syrup is the real star: fresh berries are simmered down with sugar and water until they're soft and jammy, then strained into a silky, jewel-toned liquid that swirls beautifully into the lemonade. Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives it a brightness that bottled juice just can't match. Everything comes together in one pitcher, and the result is a blush-pink drink that looks stunning with a few strawberry slices or lemon rounds floating on top. It's refreshing, crowd-pleasing, and completely free of any ingredients you'd need to second-guess.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
For the strawberry syrup
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh strawberry slices or lemon rounds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the strawberries, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries soften and release their juices, about 5–7 minutes.
- 2
Remove the pan from the heat and let the syrup cool for 5 minutes, then pour it through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or measuring cup, pressing the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Let the syrup cool to room temperature, about 20–25 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!