This Limonada de Fresa recipe combines the sweetness of a Mexican agua de fresa and the tanginess of a classic limonada. Not only is it refreshingly delicious, but easy to make with natural ingredients and packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Make a big pitcher of this strawberry limeade ahead of time and keep it chilled for your next BBQ, party, or family gathering!
In the summertime, while my mom loved to make aguas frescas, my dad loved making limonadas. Aguas frescas are refreshing Mexican beverages made by blending water with fruits, flowers, grains, or seeds. Limonadas, or limeades, on the other hand, are citrus based drinks, typically made with lime juice, sugar and water.
Today's limonada de fresa recipe is a perfect blend of two classic drinks: the fruity sweetness of agua de fresa and the tangy zing of a classic limonada. With just four simple ingredients, it's quick to make and easy to customize, adjust the sweetness and lime to your taste or swap in a refined sugar-free option.
You will love this bright, zesty drink with a burst of sweet, juicy strawberry flavor!
For other refreshing lime and fruit drinks, check out Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca, Watermelon Mojito Mocktail, and Cucumber Watermelon Agua Fresca.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
- Strawberries: Ripe strawberries will yield the sweetest, most flavorful agua fresca. Check the section "How to Choose Ripe Strawberries" below for tips. Frozen strawberries can also be used, but extra water will be needed to reach the right consistency.
- Limes: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a bright, zesty, citrusy flavor that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
- Sweetener: For the sweetener, I recommend making a simple syrup with honey. Honey adds a lovely depth of flavor and also offers a refined sugar-free option. If you prefer, you can also use coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like sweetness (which is what I used for the photos) or cane sugar for a more traditional taste.
- Water: I recommend using filtered, cold water for a smoother taste.
- Ice
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Choose Ripe Strawberries
Ripe strawberries will result in a much more flavorful drink. Here are tips on what to look for:
- Color: Bright red with no white or green patches.
- Texture: Firm but slightly soft. Avoid mushy or soft spots that indicate overripe strawberries.
- Smell: A sweet and fragrant aroma. If they smell sour or have no scent, they may not be ripe.
- Size: Medium to large strawberries are generally the sweetest. Avoid smaller or very large ones.
How to Make Strawberry Limeade
- Make Simple Syrup: Combine either coconut sugar (as pictured), honey or cane sugar with water to create a simple syrup. This help the sweetener dissolve evenly in the drink. Set aside to cool.
- Wash Strawberries: Soak the strawberries in a large bowl with vinegar and water. Drain and rise under cold water.
- Cut Strawberries: Remove the stems, then cut the strawberries into halves or quarters for easier blending.
- Squeeze Limes: Cut the limes in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup, removing any seeds.
- Blend: Add 4 cups of water, chopped strawberries and lime juice to a blender. Blend 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- Combine and Chill: Add ice to a pitcher, pour limonada and stir in one cup of water and the simple syrup. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to let the flavors meld together, or serve immediately over ice.
Hint: If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the limeade through a fine-mesh sieve.
Recommended for this Recipe
Vitamix Blender
I use my high-powered Vitamix every day. It blends aguas frescas so well that there is no need to strain.
Serving Suggestions
- For the best flavor and cooling drink, serve over ice.
- Garnish each glass with a slice of strawberry or lime.
- You can also mix in small pieces of strawberries into the pitcher for another garnish idea.
How to Store
Store leftover limonada de fresa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips and Variations
- Make a large batch: Prepare a large pitcher in advance, especially for parties or special events.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, make and add more simple syrup. If you prefer less sweetness, make the simple syrup with less sweetener as indicated in the recipe card notes.
- Add a splash of sparkling water: For a bubbly version, add a splash of sparkling water.
- Infuse the water: For an extra layer of flavor, add fresh herbs like mint or basil to the pitcher.
I hope you enjoy! If you try this recipe, please leave me a comment with a star rating below. Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to stay in touch, and don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter.
Recipe
Limonada de Fresa (Strawberry Limeade)
Equipment
- Knife
- cutting board
- Small pot
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- ¾ cup honey or 1 cup of sugar, see notes
- 1 cup water
Limonada de Fresa
- 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries
- 4-6 limes enough for ½ cup of juice
- 5 cups filtered, cold water, divided
- ½ cup ice, plus more for serving
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine ¾ cup of honey (or 1 cup of sugar) with 1 cup of water.
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sweetener is fully dissolved. (If using honey, do not bring to a boil).
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Limonada de Fresa
- Wash the strawberries and remove the stems. Cut the strawberries into halves or quarters.
- Cut the limes in half and squeeze the juice into a measuring cup, removing any seeds. You’ll need ½ cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
- In a blender, combine the cut strawberries, lime juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Blend for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a pitcher with ice. Stir in 1 cup of water and the cooled simple syrup.
- Serve immediately over ice or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Honey is sweeter than sugar which is why the ingredients call for only ¾ cup of honey for the simple syrup.
- If you prefer a less sweet drink, you can use ½ cup of honey or ¾ cup of sugar to make the simple syrup.
- For a sweeter drink, make more simple syrup and add it to the mixture 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sweetness.
- You can use coconut sugar for a slightly caramel-like sweetness or cane sugar for a more traditional taste.
Nancy
I have made this 5 times this summer! At every bbq everyone raves about it!
Gemma
Hi Nancy, thank you so much! I love that you continue to make it, that's so wonderful!
Patricia
I love buying flavored lemonades but I hate the sugar content, this was such a great alternative. I can't wait to make it all summer!
Gemma
Hi Patricia, so glad to hear that! I hope you enjoy it all summer!
Jackie
This was so refreshing. The honey was a great addition.
Gemma
Hi Jackie, so glad you liked it. Honey is my favorite way to sweeten for sure.