Once I perfected that classic state fair lemonade, I knew I had to create a strawberry lemonade next! This refreshing drink is made with freshly squeezed lemons and sweet strawberry syrup. It is a beloved favorite of my friend’s daughter, evoking joyful memories of sunny days spent together. I truly hope you give it a try, and it may also become a treasured memory for you, filling your moments with sweetness and nostalgia.
This lemonade is almost as easy to make as instant powdered lemonade, but the flavor is significantly elevated. You'll never want to return to store-bought options again. The only special equipment you'll need is a muddler and some deli containers.
@thechaotictable Strawberry state fair lemonade #homemadelemonade #lemonade #lemonaderecipe #statefairlemonade #smallcontentcreator #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound - The Chaotic Table
State Fair Drinks
I've also been playing around with recipe testing to create variations on the classic State Fair Lemonade, such as a Homemade Limeade, sparkling lemonade and a creamy lemonade.
What is State Fair Strawberry Lemonade?
If you’ve been to a fair lately, you’ve probably seen people walking around with those big deli containers filled with colorful, fruity drinks. It all started when someone realized you could make a whole lemonade with just one lemon, right in the container. Then, someone added strawberries, and it took off. Now it’s a go-to treat at outdoor events, perfect for cooling down on a hot day with something sweet and refreshing.
What are other names for this recipe?
- Freshly squeeze strawberry lemonade
- Hand-pressed strawberry lemonade
- Fresh strawberry lemonade
- Farmers market strawberry lemonade
Equipment
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Ingredients
- Lemon
- Sugar
- Water
- Strawberry Syrup
- Ice
How to make it?
Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle the lemons and sugar together until the lemons soften.
Pour in the water, strawberry syrup, and fill almost to the top with ice.
Place the cover on and shake the lemonade until well combined.
Using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw.
What do I serve with this?
- BBQ meats
- Corn dogs
- Chili Cheese Dogs
- Smoked meats
- Watermelon or other fresh fruits
- Funnel cake
- Tater Tot Nachos
FAQs (Because Life’s Too Busy for Guesswork)
Yes. Lemons often have a layer of wax and can carry germs from being handled at the store. Give them a good rinse under warm water or soak them briefly in vinegar. No soap needed.
If you want more tartness, start with less sugar or add extra lemon juice. If it’s too sour, stir in more sugar. To tone it down without changing the flavor, just add water.
No. Rolling them can actually waste some of the oils on the countertop. Muddling the lemons with the sugar pulls out all the juice and oils you need, right into the drink.
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries instead of the syrup. Keep in mind that it won't give you the same flavor as a state fair strawberry lemonade. It will simply taste more like a homemade strawberry lemonade. You'll want to take about half a cup to a cup of fresh, sliced strawberries and add them to your container with the sugar before adding the lemons. Mash them until they're in small pieces, then continue with the recipe as is.
These different flavored syrups are becoming increasingly popular. You can sometimes find them directly at big box stores, especially at places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx. I purchase mine from Amazon because I appreciate that they sell the pumps with them.
What substitutions can I make?
- Lemon—you can use limes instead of lemons to give you that twist like a strawberry limeade.
- Water – if you would like, you can use sparkling water and replace the regular tap water to give it some extra fizz.
- Strawberry Syrup- you can use 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh sliced strawberries instead of the strawberry syrup to give you a fresh or flavor.
How should I store my lemonade?
Keep your Strawberry Lemonade in a tightly sealed container in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Store it without ice so it doesn’t get watered down, and give it a quick stir before serving. If you leave the lemon wedges and strawberry slices in the container, the flavors will get stronger the longer it sits. That can be delicious if you like a bolder taste, but if you want to keep that fresh, just-made flavor, it’s best to remove them before storing.
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State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 cups Water
- 0.75 oz Strawberry Syrup
- 1 cup Ice
Instructions
- Add the lemon wedges and sugar to a 32-ounce container. Muddle the lemons and sugar together until the lemons soften.
- Pour in the water, strawberry syrup, and fill almost to the top with ice.
- Place the cover on and shake the lemonade until well combined.
- Using a paring knife, cut an X into the top of the lid and insert a straw.
Notes
- Wash lemons before using to remove wax and germs, rinse with warm water or soak briefly in vinegar (no soap needed).
- For a more tart flavor, reduce the sugar or add more lemon juice. Too sour? Add sugar. Too strong? Add water.
- No need to roll lemons. Muddling with sugar extracts both juice and oils directly into the drink.
- You can use fresh strawberries instead of syrup. Mash ½ to 1 cup sliced berries with the sugar before adding the lemons. The flavor will be more homemade than state fair style.
- Strawberry syrup can be found at big box stores like Marshalls or TJ Maxx, or online (Amazon often sells them with pumps).
Yum! Used some homemade strawberry syrup and it hit the spot!
Oh wow, homemade strawberry syrup must’ve completely elevated this lemonade!
After making the sparkling lemonade, we all wanted more. The strawberry lemonade was next. We all enjoyed the freshness. It is perfect for cooling off from the heatwave here in Florida.
I can’t wait to try this recipe at the weenkend. It sounds delicious!