Mixing Magic: How to Create and Enjoy Your Own Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate

Marie Overton
1 day ago
3 min read

When summer arrives, few things are as delightful as a tall glass of ice-cold strawberry lemonade. Picture this: the sweet taste of ripe strawberries, balanced perfectly with the zing of fresh lemon juice. Better yet, imagine having that refreshing flavor ready whenever you want it! By making your own strawberry lemonade concentrate, you can enjoy this summer treat any time. I will take you through the simple steps to create and savor your own delicious concentrate.

Why Make Your Own Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate?

Creating strawberry lemonade concentrate at home gives you complete control over the ingredients and flavors. You can adjust the sweetness to satisfy your cravings. According to a survey by The Strawberry Association, 70% of people prefer homemade beverages over store-bought ones due to their freshness and quality. Plus, making this concentrate is a fun project for individuals, families, or summer gatherings. Share it with friends or keep it all to yourself for those hot, sunny days!

Jars of red juice with gold lids, a glass with a strawberry and lemon garnish, fresh strawberries, and lemon slices on a checkered cloth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start mixing, gather your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh strawberries: 6 cups after being hulled and blended. Aim for ripe berries to maximize flavor.
Lemon juice: 4 cups
Granulated sugar: 6 cups (adjust as needed for preference)

Choosing high-quality strawberries makes a big difference. For instance, berries picked at their peak sweetness can improve the flavor profile significantly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Hands hulling strawberries on a wooden board. A colander full of strawberries and a blender container are nearby on a granite countertop.

Start by rinsing your fresh strawberries under cold water. Remove the stems and any blemishes, then blend them.

A blender filled with red strawberries on a speckled countertop. Nearby, a blender lid is being held, ready to cover the jar.

Step 2: Cook the Strawberries

Combine the strawberry puree, water, and sugar in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Stir gently.

Step 3: Simmer

A digital thermometer reads 187.8°F in a pot of peach-colored liquid on a stove, with a wooden spatula resting inside.

Bring the mixture to 190 degrees and maintain it for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see a vibrant syrup forming as the strawberry bits soften. This step is crucial for developing a rich flavor.

Canning the Concentrate

Canning jars being filled with tomato sauce using a funnel on a kitchen counter. A pot and a person wearing an apron are in the background.

Ladle the hot concentrate into pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to ensure a good seal, then place the lids on top and secure the rings until they are fingertip tight.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath (electric or regular) for 15 minutes if at sea level. (Remember to adjust the processing time for your elevation.) Don't start the timer until after the water has come to a rolling boil. After the processing time has elapsed, remove the lid, turn off the heat and allow the jars to cool for 5 minutes.
Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool on a heat resistant surface for 24 hours.

A good seal will keep your concentrate fresh for months, allowing you to enjoy it many months later!

Storing Your strawberry Lemonade Concentrate

After cooling, listen for the satisfying “pop” sound as the lids depress down and seal. Store your sealed jars in a cool, dry, dark area like a pantry or cellar. Properly canned, this concentrate can stay fresh for 1-3 years. After that, the nutritional value begins to decrease.

How to Use Your Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate

With your strawberry lemonade concentrate ready, here are some fun ways to use it:

Classic Strawberry Lemonade

Person pours red liquid into a clear jar on a granite counter; red jars with gold lids on black-and-white cloth in the background.

Combine 1 pint strawberry lemonade concentrate with 6 cups of cold water. Adjust the ratio based on your taste.

Hands pouring orange juice into a glass on a counter, with red jars on a checkered cloth in the background.

Serve it over ice, garnished with fresh strawberries and lemon slices for an extra touch.

Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

Pour the concentrate into popsicle molds and freeze. These fruity pops become a refreshing treat on sweltering summer days.

Dessert Sauce

Drizzle the concentrate over pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream. It adds a delicious fruity twist and a bright, tangy flavor that enhances desserts.

Tips for Perfecting Your Concentrate

Glass of pink lemonade with lemon and strawberry garnish on a black-and-white checkered cloth, surrounded by jars and fresh strawberries.

Experiment with Sweetness: Everyone’s taste is different. Adjust the sugar to find your perfect level of sweetness.
Taste as You Go: Sample your mixture while cooking. You can add sugar or lemon juice until you achieve the flavor you desire.

If you want to get adventurous, consider infusing the strawberries with herbs like mint or basil during cooking. This adds a unique and exciting twist to your concentrate.

Final Thoughts

Making your own strawberry lemonade concentrate is not just a creative kitchen project; it’s a way to capture the essence of summer in a bottle. Following these straightforward steps lets you enjoy homemade strawberry lemonade all year long. Gather your ingredients and embrace your inner mixologist. You'll be surprised at how easy and satisfying it is to make your own refreshing drink. Cheers to endless summer sips!