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Nothing says summer quite like a glass of State Fair Strawberry Lemonade. This vibrant, fruity drink balances the tang of fresh lemons with the sweetness of sun-ripened strawberries, all in a frosty glass that instantly transports you to the bustling midway of your favorite state fair. Whether you’re hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for a refreshing pick-me-up, this homemade lemonade is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser – and it’s so easy, you’ll want to make it all season long.

State Fair Strawberry Lemonade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice
- lemon slices and strawberry halves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade

Step 1: Blend the Base

Start by adding your hulled and halved strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and granulated sugar right into your blender. Blend everything together until you have a smooth, beautifully pink mixture. The aroma at this stage is heavenly, and it’s a sneak peek of the flavor to come!

Step 2: Strain for Smoothness

Set a fine mesh strainer over a large pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spoon to help press the liquid through, leaving seeds and pulp behind. This step is key to that classic, silky-smooth texture you expect from State Fair Strawberry Lemonade.

Step 3: Add Water and Stir

Pour in the cold water and give everything a good stir. At this point, taste your lemonade—if you like it a little sweeter, add more sugar and stir until dissolved. This is your chance to make it truly your own!

Step 4: Chill with Ice

Add the ice right into the pitcher and stir again. The ice not only chills the drink but also helps dilute it just enough for that perfect, thirst-quenching consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Pour the lemonade over extra ice in tall glasses, then top each with lemon slices and strawberry halves if you want to take your presentation up a notch. Now, all that’s left to do is enjoy every sip.

How to Serve State Fair Strawberry Lemonade

Garnishes

A good garnish is like the cherry on top of a sundae—it makes everything feel special! For State Fair Strawberry Lemonade, I love floating a few lemon slices and halved strawberries in each glass. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also hints at the fresh flavors inside. If you’re feeling extra festive, pop in a little sprig of mint for a burst of fragrance and a pretty green contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair your State Fair Strawberry Lemonade with classic picnic fare for the full fairground experience. Think crispy fried chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob, or even a basket of salty fries. It’s also the perfect companion to lighter snacks like a fresh fruit salad or a platter of cheese and crackers. The lemonade’s natural sweetness and acidity cut through rich, savory foods for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun! Serve your lemonade in mason jars with colorful straws for a nostalgic touch, or pour it into a big glass dispenser at parties so guests can help themselves. For a sparkling version, swap out half the water for bubbly sparkling water just before serving. If you want to get really playful, freeze some extra strawberries and use them as “ice cubes” in each glass. It’s a whimsical twist that keeps drinks cold without watering them down.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any State Fair Strawberry Lemonade left over (which, honestly, is rare!), simply cover the pitcher and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you might even find it tastes better after a little rest. Just give it a good stir before pouring, as some settling may occur.

Freezing

To make your summer last even longer, pour any extra lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop these cubes into a glass of water or lemonade for a frosty treat, or blend them up for a quick slushie on hot days. While you can freeze the full drink, be aware that fresh strawberries may change texture slightly once thawed.

Reheating

While State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is best enjoyed ice-cold, if you prefer a warm twist (think of a cozy, fruity tea), gently heat it in a saucepan over low heat until just warm. Don’t let it boil, as this can dull the fresh fruit flavors. Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a fun autumnal version!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully, especially when fresh ones are out of season. Just thaw them first and drain off any extra liquid so your lemonade isn’t watered down. The flavor will still be wonderfully sweet and fruity.

How can I make this lemonade less sweet?

If you prefer your drinks on the tart side, start with half the amount of sugar and add more to taste as you go. You can also try swapping some of the sugar for honey or agave syrup for a different kind of sweetness.

Is State Fair Strawberry Lemonade vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use regular granulated sugar. If you’re strict about vegan ingredients, be sure to choose a sugar that isn’t processed with bone char.

Can I make State Fair Strawberry Lemonade ahead of time for parties?

Definitely! This lemonade is perfect for prepping in advance. Mix up a big batch, store it in the fridge, and add ice and garnishes just before serving so it stays fresh and vibrant.

What can I do with leftover strained strawberry pulp?

Don’t toss it! Stir the leftover pulp into yogurt, smoothies, or even muffin batter for a boost of fruity flavor and color. It’s a great way to reduce waste and sneak extra nutrition into your snacks.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sipping on State Fair Strawberry Lemonade: it’s simple, nostalgic, and bursting with the flavors of summer. Give this recipe a try and bring a little fairground joy to your own kitchen—you might just find yourself making it on repeat all season long!