Homemade Strawberry Lemonade Fizz
Oh my dear, this Strawberry Lemonade Fizz has been a sunlit song in my kitchen for longer than I can count. I remember making it the summer my eldest learned to ride a bike. We would come in dusty and triumphant, cheeks flushed, and I would hand them a tall glass crowned with fizz. The look on their face when that first cold sip met warm, proud smiles is why this recipe lives in my heart. This fizzy drink is the kind of comfort that feels like home. Fresh strawberries and bright lemon come together with a touch of simple syrup and bubbly water to make something light and joyful. It is the drink I reach for when neighbors drop by, when the children bring friends home from school, and on slow afternoons when a little sparkle lifts the spirits. What makes it special is how simple it is and how easy it is to make memories with it. There is no fuss, only love. You can make the syrup a day ahead, or muddle the berries right before guests arrive. Either way, it is forgiving and generous, just like a good grandmother should be. So pull up a chair, lay out a jug, and let us make something that will be remembered. You do not need fancy tools or perfect fruit. Just a willing heart and a glass to share. I know you can do this, and I promise it will bring warm smiles to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1 cup Fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Water for simple syrup
- 4 cups Cold sparkling water or club soda
- 2 cups Ice cubes
- 8 sprigs Fresh mint sprigs
- 6 slices Lemon slices
- 6 halves Extra strawberries for garnish, halved
- 1 pinch Optional pinch of salt
Instructions
First, we will make a simple strawberry syrup. Rinse and hull the strawberries and place them in a medium saucepan. Add one cup of sugar and one cup of water. Set the pan over medium heat and, with a wooden spoon, give it a gentle stir until the sugar melts. You will see the sugar turn clear and the strawberries begin to soften.
Now, lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 8 minutes. Keep an eye on it and stir from time to time. The strawberries will release their bright color and perfume your kitchen. Oh my, that smell will make you smile. If you like, add the pinch of salt now it helps round the flavor.
Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool for a few minutes. Using a potato masher or a fork, gently press the strawberries in the pan to release even more juice. If you prefer a smooth syrup, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing the solids to extract every drop. If you like some texture and tiny bits of fruit, leave a little pulp in the syrup. Either way is perfectly lovely.
Measure one cup of fresh lemon juice. You can squeeze by hand or use a juicer. Taste a little and remember that bright, tart lemon is the backbone of this drink. If your lemons are large and juicy, six or seven should do it. No hurry, dear. Squeeze with kindness.
In a large pitcher, combine the strained strawberry syrup and the lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir. Take a moment to watch the color—rich, rosy, and inviting. If the syrup feels too sweet for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of water. If it is too tart, add a touch more syrup.
To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the strawberry lemonade mixture until each glass is about two thirds full. Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. The fizz will lift the flavors and bring a merry little sparkle to every sip.
Garnish each glass with a lemon slice, a halved strawberry, and a sprig of mint. Give the pitcher one last stir before placing it on the table. Oh, my goodness, your kitchen should be smelling just heavenly right about now.
If you have any leftover syrup, keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can add a splash to plain water, tea, or more sparkling water whenever you want a little reminder of summer.
Cooking Tips
- 💡Nana's Little Notes 1: If your strawberries are very tart, add a tablespoon more sugar to the syrup while it simmers. Taste as you go and trust your palate.
- 💡Nana's Little Notes 2: Want a prettier pink? Blend a few of the cooked strawberries before straining. It gives body and a lovely color.
- 💡Nana's Little Notes 3: For a grown up twist, a splash of gin or vodka is nice. But do tell the young ones no, and keep their glasses fizzy and alcohol free.
- 💡Nana's Little Notes 4: If you are making this ahead, do not add the sparkling water until just before serving so it stays lively.
- 💡Nana's Little Notes 5: If your syrup is too thick when chilled, stir in a little warm water until it loosens. There is always a gentle fix.
Nutritional Information
Per serving
My dear, pouring this Strawberry Lemonade Fizz is more than making a drink. It is passing on a little bright joy from my heart to yours. May each fizzy glass become a small celebration in your home, a reason to gather and to remember. Be good to yourself, savor the moment, and wrap your family in small acts of love.
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