Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade! Sweet strawberries, take the pucker out of fresh-squeezed lemon juice in this delicious version of classic lemonade. The addition of homemade thyme-infused simple syrup adds a delightfully herbaceous note. It's spring in a glass!
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Strawberry lemonade is just the drink you need for sipping outside in the beautiful spring weather! Sweet, ripe strawberries give this lemonade a gorgeous ruby hue while fresh thyme adds a subtle hint of herbaceous flavor for an intriguing twist to an old classic.
It makes a fantastic springtime drink for parties, baby showers, Mother's Day and beyond. {I mean, that color! Showstopper.} Serve it as is or add sparkling water to add some effervescence or a shot of your favorite spirit to turn it into a cocktail!
Check out these other lemonade recipes for more refreshing beverage ideas you can enjoy year round:
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Thyme Simple Syrup
Let's talk about the thyme element in this lemonade. Fresh thyme has an herbal flavor with earthy, woodsy and floral elements (similar to rosemary). There are several different varieties; the citrusy nature of lemon thyme makes it a great choice for lemonade and other recipes, but you can use whatever variety you'd like.
Making homemade thyme simple syrup to sweeten the lemonade is, indeed, "simple!" Bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then steep fresh sprigs of thyme in the hot mixture to let it infuse the flavors into the syrup.
If thyme isn't your thing, you can use just about any herb you like -- I've made basil, rosemary and mint versions in the past, but you don't have to stop at herbs to create interesting flavors. Homemade simple syrups are such an easy way to add extra pizzazz to everything from cocktails to pound cake!
Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and strawberry or lemon slice if desired.
Ingredients
While the flavors in this strawberry lemonade are a bit more complex than the traditional version, the ingredients are actually quite simple! Here's what you'll need:
- Water
- Sugar
- Fresh thyme
- Strawberries
- Fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Stir in another 1-2 cups of water and simple syrup to taste -- exactly how much will depend on how sweet/tart/concentrated you like your lemonade.
Can This Be Made Ahead?
Sure! You can make this a day or two ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. I find that making it at least a day ahead of time really help the flavors marry and makes it taste even better! Strawberry lemonade should keep in an airtight container or covered pitcher for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
Alternatively, you can make and freeze a lemonade "concentrate" by combining the lemon juice, strawberry puree and simple syrup, pouring it into an airtight container and storing in the freezer. When you're ready to make the lemonade, simply thaw the frozen mixture and combine it with water in a pitcher before serving.
Kitchen Tools that Help
You really don't need any fancy tools to make lemonade -- just a pitcher and a pair of willing hands for squeezing lemons is all that's necessary for making strawberry lemonade the old-fashioned way!
However, if you want to make the task a little easier, you may want to consider some of these handy kitchen tools:
- Citrus Squeezer, Electric Juicer or Juicer Attachment
- Mesh Strainer
- Glass Carafes with Lid (for storage)
Strawberry-Thyme Lemonade
Ingredients
For Thyme Simple Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ sugar
- 3-4 sprigs fresh thyme
For Lemonade:
- 8 ounces strawberries hulled & chopped
- ⅔ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- Thyme Simple Syrup to taste
- 3 cups water
Instructions
Make Thyme Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a boil. Let boil for about 1 minute until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove from heat and immediately add thyme sprigs. Allow to steep for 8-10 minutes. Discard thyme sprigs.
Make Lemonade
- Meanwhile, blend strawberries, lemon juice and about a cup of water in a food processor or blender until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and strain into a container with a spout or the pitcher you will serve it in, pressing on solids. Discard any pulp.
- Stir in another 2 cups of water and simple syrup to taste -- the amount will vary depending on how sweet/tart/concentrated you like your lemonade. I used a little more than ¼ cup of simple syrup.
- Refrigerate until cold and serve over ice. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and strawberry or lemon slice if desired.
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