Beat the summer heat with this incredibly creamy and refreshing whipped strawberry lemonade! This delightful beverage combines the tartness of fresh lemon juice, the sweetness of strawberries, and the luxurious texture of whipped cream for a truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring no special equipment or culinary skills, making it the perfect treat for any occasion, from backyard barbecues to elegant afternoon teas.

Ingredients:

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups cold water
1/4 cup sugar or honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ice cubes

Creamy and Refreshing Whipped Strawberry Lemonade

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Begin by washing and hulling your fresh strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. This will create a vibrant and flavorful strawberry puree. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother consistency, removing any seeds.

Step 2: Make the Lemonade Base

In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, cold water, and sugar (or honey). Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. If using honey, you may need to gently warm the water slightly to help it dissolve more easily. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to your preference. You can always add more sugar or honey later if needed.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can result in a grainy texture. Once soft peaks form, gently fold in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Gently pour the strawberry puree into the lemonade base. Stir gently to combine. Do not overmix, as you want to retain some of the strawberry’s vibrant color and texture. Then, carefully fold in the whipped cream, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Avoid stirring vigorously, as this can deflate the whipped cream.

Fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour the whipped strawberry lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh strawberries, a sprig of mint, or a lemon wedge, if desired.

Cooking Time & Temperature:

This recipe requires no cooking. The entire process, from preparation to serving, should take approximately 15-20 minutes.

Tips and Variations:

For a sweeter lemonade: Increase the amount of sugar or honey to your liking. Start with an extra tablespoon and adjust as needed.
For a tarter lemonade: Add a little more lemon juice. A tablespoon at a time is a good way to adjust the tartness.
Frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Let them thaw completely before blending to ensure a smooth puree.
Other fruits: Experiment with other fruits! Raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes would all make delicious variations.
Alcoholic version: Add a shot of vodka or gin for an adult beverage.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the lemonade base and the whipped cream separately ahead of time. Combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Garnish creatively: Get creative with your garnishes! Consider adding edible flowers, a sprinkle of sugar, or a lemon twist.
Use a stand mixer: For larger batches, a stand mixer can make whipping the cream much easier.

Storage Instructions:

This lemonade is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor. However, you can store the lemonade base (without the whipped cream) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Whip the cream just before serving and gently fold it into the chilled lemonade base.

FAQ:

Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before blending for a smooth puree. You may need to strain the puree more thoroughly to remove excess ice crystals.
What if I don’t have a blender? You can muddle the strawberries with a fork or potato masher, but the consistency will be less smooth.
Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to make the whipped cream and lemonade base separately and combine them just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the whipped cream from deflating.
How long does it last in the refrigerator? The lemonade base (without whipped cream) can last up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The whipped cream should be made fresh.
Can I adjust the sweetness? Absolutely! Taste the lemonade base before adding the whipped cream and adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more sugar or honey.
What type of sugar should I use? Granulated sugar works best, but you can also use powdered sugar or honey.
What kind of lemon juice should I use? Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for the most vibrant flavor. Bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch, but it may not be as flavorful.
Can I use different types of cream? Heavy cream is recommended for the best texture and volume. Using a lighter cream may result in a less fluffy whipped topping.
How can I make it less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar or honey, or add a little more lemon juice for a more tart flavor.
What are some other garnish ideas? Fresh mint leaves, lemon zest, a sugared rim on the glass, or even a few berries on a skewer are all great garnish options.

Enjoy your creamy and refreshing whipped strawberry lemonade! It’s the perfect summer treat to cool down and delight your taste buds.

Creamy and Refreshing Whipped Strawberry Lemonade

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups cold water
– 1/4 cup sugar or honey
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Ice cubes

Instructions

Start by preparing your strawberries. Rinse them under cold water, hull them, and then chop them into halves or quarters. This will help when blending them and releasing their juice.
In a blender, add the chopped strawberries along with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar or honey. Blend the mixture until it’s smooth. This fruity base will bring out the best in your lemonade.
Once blended, add the cold water to the blender and pulse a couple of times to combine. Taste the mixture — feel free to adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or honey.
In a separate mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. This will create a lovely creamy layer that will make your lemonade extra special.
In a glass, add ice cubes and pour in the strawberry lemonade mixture until it’s about three-quarters full.
Top off with a generous dollop of the whipped cream. You can stir it in for a creamy blend or leave it on top for a beautiful presentation.
Garnish with a few whole strawberries or a lemon slice if desired, and enjoy your refreshing drink!

Notes

– Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
– Total Fat: 17g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Carbohydrates: 24g
– Sugar: 20g
– Protein: 2g