Strawberry Apple Lemonade Recipe

This Strawberry Apple Lemonade recipe is close to my heart. On sunny afternoons or when I’m simply in need of a pick-me-up, I find so much joy in blending these simple ingredients into something so delightful.

Table of Contents

How to make Strawberry Apple Lemonade

Strawberry Apple Lemonade is a flavored lemonade made by combining strawberry, apple, and lemon flavors to create a sweet, fruity, and tangy drink.

Ingredients (Serves 3-4)

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a glass (or pitcher!) of this yummy lemonade:

1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled, washed, and halved)
1.5 cups apple juice (freshly pressed or store-bought, unsweetened works best)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 2-3 lemons)
2 cups cold water (or sparkling water for a fizzy twist)
2-3 tablespoons sweetener (optional, depending on your taste)
Options: sugar, honey, agave syrup, or even a sugar-free alternative like stevia
Ice cubes (for serving)
Lemon slices and strawberry halves (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blend the Strawberries: Add 1 cup of strawberries to a blender along with 1/2 cup of apple juice. Blend the mixture until completely smooth. Optional: If you prefer a pulp-free drink, pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl and press to remove solids.
Juice the Lemons: Squeeze half a cup of fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons). Make sure to remove any seeds. Add the juice to a large pitcher.
Combine Everything: In the pitcher, mix the strained strawberry puree, lemon juice, and the remaining apple juice. Stir well.
Dilute with Water: Add 2 cups of cold water (or sparkling water, if you prefer some fizz). Stir gently to combine.
Taste and Sweeten: Taste the lemonade, and if it’s too tart for your liking, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred sweetener. Adjust sweetness as needed—this step is all about personal preference!
Serve: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour your Strawberry Apple Lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, or even a sprig of mint for an extra fancy touch.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Apple Lemonade

Make it Ahead of Time: Prepare the drink a few hours in advance and refrigerate it so the flavors can meld together. Just add ice and garnish right before serving to keep it fresh.
For a Kid-Friendly Popsicle Version: Pour the lemonade into popsicle molds and freeze! Trust me, these make incredibly refreshing treats on hot days.
Experiment with Ratios: Love strawberries? Add an extra handful for a more berry-forward taste. Prefer a stronger citrus kick? Increase the lemon juice slightly for that zing.
For Adults: Turn this into a delicious summer cocktail by adding vodka, sparkling wine, or white rum for an elevated drink option.
Keep It Cold: Instead of ice cubes, freeze chunks of strawberries or apples to use as “ice” in your lemonade. This keeps the drink cool without diluting the flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Apple Lemonade isn’t just delicious—it’s versatile, vibrant, and loaded with natural fruity flavors. The sweetness of the apple juice balances the tangy lemon juice, while the strawberries add a burst of color and fresh flavor. It’s perfect for everything from backyard barbecues to lazy afternoons with a good book.

What to serve with

When it comes to pairing food with a refreshing drink like Strawberry Apple Lemonade, the options are endless! This fruit-forward, tangy beverage is versatile and complements a variety of dishes—whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a picnic, or simply enjoying a light snack.

Fresh Fruit Platters: A vibrant fruit platter pairs beautifully with Strawberry Apple Lemonade. Include fruits like watermelon, pineapple, grapes, kiwi, and oranges for a colorful and refreshing side. Add a bowl of yogurt or honey for dipping!
Cheese and Crackers: A cheese platter with brie, Gouda, or a mild goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the fruity-tart flavors of the lemonade. Include some crackers, fresh baguette slices, and dried fruits like apricots to balance the sweetness.
Caprese Skewers: Skewers of cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze are light yet flavorful and a perfect pairing with a fruity drink.
Savory Finger Foods: Serve bite-sized appetizers like mini quiches, stuffed mushrooms, or bruschetta. The acidity of the lemonade helps cleanse the palate between savory bites.

Ingredients Substitutes

When making Strawberry Apple Lemonade, you might not always have all the ingredients on hand—or perhaps you want to adjust the recipe to meet specific tastes, dietary needs, or preferences.

Substitutes for Strawberries

Strawberries are a key flavor in this drink, but if you don’t have strawberries or want to experiment with other fruits, here are some great alternatives:

Raspberries: These add a similar tangy-sweet flavor. Blend and strain them to avoid large seeds.
Blueberries: Blueberries offer a slightly milder berry taste, but they still blend beautifully with apple and lemon flavors.
Cherries: Fresh or frozen pitted cherries provide a deep, sweet-tart flavor. This can give your lemonade a darker hue and a rich flavor twist.
Watermelon: Watermelon’s subtle sweetness and light flavor work well, especially for a refreshing summer drink.
Peaches or Mangos: These fruits add a tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple and lemon notes.

Substitutes for Apple Juice

Apple juice adds natural sweetness and complements the tart lemon juice. If you don’t have apple juice or are looking for a different flavor profile, try one of the following:

Grape Juice: Use white grape juice for a similar level of sweetness and a lighter color.
Pineapple Juice: Pineapple juice brings tropical sweetness and blends well with lemon. Be aware that it adds a tangier and brighter flavor to the drink.
Pear Juice: Pear juice has a smooth, light sweetness similar to apple juice. It’s a fantastic option for those who want a mild fruity flavor.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed or store-bought orange juice adds citrusy sweetness and works beautifully with the strawberry and lemon components.

Final Thoughts

With something light or indulgent, Strawberry Apple Lemonade easily adapts to your menu and adds a fruity, refreshing flair to mealtime.

More Lemonade Recipes:

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