Lemonade Archives • A Sweet Pea Chef

A super delish and healthy version of the famous pink lemonade? We’re making it! Read along to learn how to make this insanely fresh Strawberry Mint Lemonade. I’m not sure which word I love most in the title of this recipe. I tend to lean towards “Strawberry,” but then I feel bad about leaving out the “Lemonade.” And then there’s the “Mint.” Mmm. I guess that’s what makes this recipe so darn good — it only has goodness going into it. This is a super simple recipe that takes hardly any time at all to make. The most time-consuming part is juicing the lemons — but who doesn’t find methodically squeezing the pulp and juices out of lemon halves cathartic in one way or another Oh, is that just me? What Is In Pink Lemonade? The base of this drink is typically made from lemonade (lemon juice, water, and sugar). So this rose-tinted variation may come either from a natural or artificial red or pink dye. Most of the time, store-bought or powdered versions come from artificial coloring with too much added sugar. Eek! Let’s skip those! The best ones are homemade or naturally pink from crushed fruits like cranberries, grenadine (natural version), strawberries, or raspberries. You can even use beets! How Do You Make Strawberry Lemonade From Scratch? Easy peasy. It’s just like making lemonade but with the added step of mushing the strawberries to make a paste. This is what you will be adding to the lemonade base together with the simple honey syrup and fresh mint leaves. Can’t you just taste that already? Yum! I’ve added a step-by-step guide on the 10-min recipe below. What Is In This Strawberry Mint Lemonade? This drink is so easy to make you can finish it in 10 minutes! Once you go fresh, you’ll never go back to those store-bought powdered juices. Trust me. Not worth it. Here are the 5 simple ingredients we’ll be using: Raw honey: To make healthy lemonade, I use raw honey instead of granulated, highly processed sugar or — gasp — corn syrup. It tastes better too! Other great options would be pure maple syrup if you’re vegan, or coconut sugar (though this will significantly change the color of your lemonade). Try to avoid highly refined sugars to maintain better sugar levels — lookout for white sugar and corn syrup. Fresh lemons: I’ve shared the benefits of drinking lemon water. I love using lemons in most of my drinks and recipes. They’re a boost of flavored sunshine and a nutritional mini-powerhouse. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, potassium, and soluble fibers — I can’t imagine a world without them, really. Frozen strawberries: Strawberries are just so darn amazing! They’re low in calories (45 only per serving = 8 medium strawberries). They’re a great source of vitamin C, fiber, folate, and are low in sugar. They can also help with boosting your immunity, brain and heart health plus blood sugar regulation. Didn’t we all fight for this flavor in our childhood? Mint: Mint is like the last-minute, surprise guest that arrived at your party. You didn’t expect it, then they brought the house down to a whole new level! They also come bearing nutritional gifts... Rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients, and vitamins, mint helps with many benefits. From better digestion, skin health, oral care, to weight loss and better memory, they’re the gift that keeps on giving. Water: Most people don’t reach their recommended daily water intake which is why I love making drinks like this cause it’s another creative way to hydrate. Did you know that dehydration is commonly mistaken for hunger and usually causes fatigue? So when you’re tired or hungry, sometimes ya just need to hydrate! Water is truly one of the most underrated health hacks y’all. Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead Of Frozen Ones? A BIG yes! Even better (time-wise) since you won’t need to thaw them anymore before mushing. So if you’ve got nice, plump, fresh ones go for it. However, here’s a quick guide on the difference between using fresh and frozen fruits and why I chose frozen ones for this recipe:Fresh: Fresh strawberries may be picked before they hit peak ripeness especially if they come from far areas. So they’re prevented from maturing into their full nutritional value. Fresh fruits are good for dishes like salads, pies, and tarts where their crunch and freshness are needed. Frozen: Most people think frozen fruits aren’t as healthy as fresh ones. One study shows that isn’t the case. Frozen strawberries are packed at their peak ripeness so they’re more likely to retain their nutrients. Yay!. They may come in sweetened (and unsweetened) versions so be sure to watch out when adding your syrup and make sure to taste as you go along. Generally, frozen fruits have nutritional and financial benefits compared to fresh ones. This doesn’t mean you should avoid fresh produce altogether. They’re loaded enough to be worth eating. Fresh and frozen options work best for certain dishes so consuming a variety is good. Whatever will make you eat healthier, that’s what we want. How Long Will Strawberry Mint Lemonade Stay Fresh? You can keep it in the fridge for 5-7 days. If you don’t finish it on the first day, I suggest removing the mint leaves as they will wilt and lose their minty freshness after a while. More Healthy Drink Recipes Looking to try this awesome pink lemonade? Check these other healthy recipes too: 5 Easy Caffeine-Free Homemade Soda RecipesKiwi and Kale Smoothie Strawberry Protein ShakeVirgin Sangria | Fruity & Sparkling Anyways… I hope you have an opportunity to try out this lemonade recipe. I’m personally not a fan of drinking summer drinks when it ain’t summer. (Who is!?) But it’s that good I’d say it’s a drink for all seasons. Cheers! This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend. Strawberry Mint Lemonade A super delish and healthy version of the famous pink lemonade? We’re making it! Read along to learn how to make this insanely fresh Strawberry Mint Lemonade. For the simple honey syrup:2 cups water1/2 cup raw honeyFor the lemonade:5 cups water2 1/2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 16-20 medium lemons)15-20 frozen strawberries (will yield approx. 2/3 - 1 cup when defrosted and mushed)8 large fresh mint leaves In a medium sauce pan, combine 2 cups of the water and the raw honey. Heat over medium-high heat until honey completely dissolves. Remove from heat and set this simple honey syrup aside to cool.Let the frozen strawberries thaw. Once thawed, muddle (mush) the strawberries until they are all mushed and you have made a thick strawberry paste. If you like larger chunks of fruit, don't mush the strawberries as much.In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, the strawberries, and the remaining 5 cups water. Stir to combine. Add about half of the simple syrup into the mixture and stir to combine. Continue to add the syrup, 1/4 cup at a time, until the lemonade reaches your desired level of sweetness. Add the fresh mint leaves and stir again. If possible, place the lemonade mixture in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you can wait this time, you will be rewarded. If not, it will still be super tasty -- just not as minty.Serve cold.If you somehow don't finish the lemonade and want to store it for the next day, I recommend removing the mint leaves as they will wilt after a while. DrinksEasystrawberry mint, strawberry mint lemonade, strawberrymint