If there’s one drink that embodies the magic of hot summer afternoons, it’s the State Fair Strawberry Lemonade. This vibrant, sweet-tart refresher bursts with juicy strawberries and zesty lemons, whisking you right into that festive, fairground mood with every sip. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a bright pick-me-up, this homemade treat combines nostalgia and fresh flavors perfectly—you might even forget it’s homemade and not straight from your favorite fair stand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Fresh Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Lemonade Base:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 5–6 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- Lemon slices and strawberry slices for garnish (optional)
How to Make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries and Sugar
Start by adding your hulled, chopped strawberries to a blender, sprinkling the sugar on top. The sugar dissolves more easily this way, drawing out the strawberries’ natural juices and speeding up the blending process. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and a punchy red color—this is what gives State Fair Strawberry Lemonade its signature fruitiness.
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Use a spoon to press down and extract all the syrupy goodness, leaving seeds and pulp behind. This extra step delivers that classic smoothness you expect, with zero unwanted grit.
Step 3: Mix in Lemon Juice & Water
Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice straight into the strawberry mixture in the pitcher, followed by the cold water. Stir well, watching the colors swirl and combine! Taste a spoonful and tweak the sweetness if needed—everyone likes their lemonade a little different, so make it your own.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Toss in a generous cup of ice and give everything one last stir. When you’re ready to pour, load your glasses with more ice and garnish with pretty slices of lemon and strawberry. These finishing touches recreate the cheerful look of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade, making your homemade batch irresistibly inviting.
How to Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Garnishes
Take your lemonade over the top with playful garnishes. Fresh lemon wheels, halved strawberries, or even a sprig of mint add a burst of color and a touch of sophistication. Rim the glasses with sugar for an extra-special touch that feels right out of the fair.
Side Dishes
Pair State Fair Strawberry Lemonade with finger foods—think buttery popcorn, salty soft pretzels, classic corn dogs, or fresh fruit salads. Its sweet-tart flavor acts as the perfect palate cleanser between every savory bite or sticky treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your lemonade into mason jars or tall, clear glasses to show off its sunset hue. For parties, serve it in a big drink dispenser with floating lemon and strawberry slices, or freeze some lemonade in ice cube trays for a fun, melt-proof chill. Kids (and adults) love sipping through striped paper straws for that festive, fairground feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, good news: State Fair Strawberry Lemonade can stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in a well-sealed pitcher so it keeps its flavor and doesn’t pick up any unwanted fridge scents. Just give it a quick stir before pouring, as pulp can settle at the bottom.
Freezing
Want to keep the summer vibes going? Freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays. Later, you can pop these cubes into plain water, seltzer, or another batch of lemonade for undiluted flavor. This trick works brilliantly for a punch bowl or picnic cooler too.
Reheating
Since State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is best served cold, reheating isn’t usually necessary! If you’d like to experiment with a warm version for an offbeat twist, gently heat a portion in a saucepan (don’t boil) and serve in mugs—it’s actually quite cozy in chilly weather.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the strawberries completely before blending. The flavor is almost as bright as fresh, and it’s a fantastic shortcut outside of strawberry season.
Is there a way to make it less sweet?
Yes! Start with less sugar, blend and taste, then gradually add more if needed. You can also swap in honey or a sugar substitute to control the sweetness to your liking.
How do I make a sparkling State Fair Strawberry Lemonade?
Replace one to two cups of cold water with club soda or lemon-lime soda right before serving. Hold off adding sparkling drinks until the very end to keep all those lovely bubbles intact.
Can I turn this into a cocktail?
Definitely! Add a splash of vodka, gin, or even prosecco to transform your pitcher into an easy, crowd-pleasing adult beverage. Just remember to label your batch if there are kids around!
Does it work with other berries?
It sure does! Raspberries or blackberries create fun flavor variations—just follow the same recipe and adjust the sweetener as needed. But for the classic fairground taste, strawberries are unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about a tall, frosty glass of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade—especially when you’ve made it yourself! This recipe is all about capturing summer’s best, one sip at a time. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and bring those sunshiny, state fair vibes right into your own kitchen. Share it with family, friends, or just treat yourself—you’re in for a real treat!
