Bursting with vibrant color and juicy flavor, State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is your new go-to for any summer celebration. Imagine escaping the heat with each sip of this sweet-tart treat, blending perfectly ripe strawberries with zesty fresh lemon juice to create something truly worthy of the fairgrounds — and your kitchen! This recipe is all about making those carnival memories come alive at home, and you’re just minutes away from pouring yourself a glass of pure sunshine. Whether you serve it as a thirst-quencher at your next backyard party or savor it solo, every batch promises that signature fairground rush with the easy comfort of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup ice (plus more for serving)
- lemon slices and strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
How to Make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries, Lemon Juice, and Sugar
Add your hulled and halved fresh strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and sugar straight into your blender. This combo is the base of that classic sweet-tart flavor we all crave. Don’t be shy — blend until it’s completely smooth, so every sip is bursting with intense strawberry and lemon goodness!
Step 2: Strain Out Seeds and Pulp
Set a fine mesh strainer over a big pitcher, then pour your blended mixture through. Use a spoon to press and swirl, making sure you extract every drop of flavor while leaving seeds and pulp behind. This step is what gives State Fair Strawberry Lemonade its famously smooth, refreshing finish.
Step 3: Add Cold Water and Ice
Pour in the cold water and add 1/2 cup of ice right into your pitcher. Give it a gentle stir. Sample a bit now — you’ll already taste that perfect balance, but this step chills and dilutes the mix to a totally thirst-quenching level.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
This is where you make it your own! If you like it sweeter or more tart, simply add a touch more sugar or lemon juice. Every great batch of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is tailored to your tastes, so don’t be afraid to tweak.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best results, let your lemonade chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to really let the flavors come together — but if you’re feeling impatient (who isn’t?), serve immediately over tall glasses brimming with ice, and top with those cheerful lemon and strawberry slices if you like!
How to Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Garnishes
Add a handful of sliced lemons and strawberries to every glass for an eye-catching, festive flourish. Not only do they add a burst of color, but the subtle extra flavors from the fruit slices will make your State Fair Strawberry Lemonade even more special. If you’re feeling fancy, a fresh mint sprig sends those summer vibes over the top!
Side Dishes
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is dreamy next to all your picnic faves. Think crispy fried chicken, corn on the cob, or baskets of hot, salted fries. It also pairs beautifully with lighter fare like a spinach salad topped with goat cheese and nuts, or a plate of fruit skewers for the ultimate refreshing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not ladle your State Fair Strawberry Lemonade into mason jars with pastel straws for that retro-carnival feel? Or freeze it into popsicles for a grab-and-go treat that’s a hit with everyone (ideas like these are why this lemonade never gets old). For celebrations, use a beverage dispenser with sliced fruit floating on top — the eye candy alone will draw a crowd!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra State Fair Strawberry Lemonade, simply cover your pitcher and keep it in the fridge. It stays remarkably fresh for up to 3 days — just give it a quick stir before serving, as natural separation is perfectly normal.
Freezing
Craving a frosty treat? Pour any leftover lemonade into popsicle molds or ice cube trays, then freeze. The cubes can brighten up a glass of sparkling water, or you can blend frozen lemonade cubes for an instant slushie that will cool you down in seconds!
Reheating
While you’ll never need to “reheat” State Fair Strawberry Lemonade, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes if it’s become too icy or cold for your liking — this softens the flavor and brings back that perfect refreshing balance.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully — just thaw them first for easy blending and to capture every drop of flavor. You might even find the texture a touch thicker and still totally delicious.
Is it possible to make this a sparkling lemonade?
Yes! For a State Fair Strawberry Lemonade with a bubbly kick, simply replace half of the cold water with chilled club soda after straining the fruit purée. Pour gently to retain those lively bubbles.
How do I make this drink less sweet?
If you prefer your lemonade on the tarter side, start with half the sugar, blend, and then add more to taste. Fresh strawberries can vary in sweetness, so this way you’re always in full control.
What’s the best way to juice lemons quickly?
To make quick work of juicing, roll the lemons firmly on your countertop before cutting — this releases extra juice. Use a handheld citrus press or reamer for maximum yield with minimal effort.
Can I double (or triple) the State Fair Strawberry Lemonade recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is a superstar for parties. Simply double or triple all of the listed ingredients and mix in a larger pitcher or beverage dispenser. You may want to taste and tweak the sugar and lemon juice as the volume increases, but the method remains the same.
Final Thoughts
I can’t imagine summer without a pitcher of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade chilling in the fridge — and after you try this recipe, you’ll feel the same way! Every glass is a mini celebration, packed with those unforgettable carnival flavors, and it’s so easy you’ll want to make it again and again. Gather your lemons and berries, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a taste of summer’s brightest moments, right at home!
Print
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cool off this summer with a refreshing State Fair Strawberry Lemonade. This fruity, homemade lemonade is bursting with the flavors of fresh strawberries and zesty lemon, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/2 cup ice (plus more for serving)
- lemon slices and strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp, pressing with a spoon if needed.
- Add Water and Ice: Add the cold water and ice to the pitcher and stir well.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and strawberry slices if desired.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace half the water with chilled club soda.
- You can also freeze the blended mixture into popsicle molds for a refreshing frozen treat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
