Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade: The Perfect Drink for Hot Days

When summer heat arrives, nothing satisfies quite like a glass of cold, homemade strawberry kiwi lemonade.

This refreshing drink combines the tartness of lemons with the sweet flavor of strawberries and the tropical tang of kiwi for a perfect balance that store-bought versions simply can’t match.

With just a handful of fresh ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can craft a gallon of this thirst-quenching drink that’s perfect for backyard gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on your porch.

In this guide, we’ll walk through a simple step-by-step process to create strawberry kiwi lemonade that will impress your family and friends while keeping everyone cool and refreshed all season long. Let’s jump in!

Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade

To make one gallon of this delicious, homemade strawberry kiwi lemonade, here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb 11 oz fresh lemons (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1 lb fresh strawberries
• 1 lb fresh kiwis
• 1 1/4 cups sugar (you can adjust to your taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 quarts water (to blend everything)

Tools You’ll Need

• Food Processor: To puree the strawberries and kiwis.
• Citrus Juicer: For juicing those fresh lemons.
• Mesh Strainer: To remove pulp and seeds after pasteurization.
• Large Pot: For pasteurizing the mixture.
• Plastic Pitcher: To store and serve your refreshing lemonade.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade

Now that you’ve got everything ready, it’s time to mix things up! Follow these simple steps to turn your fresh strawberries and kiwis into a cool, refreshing drink everyone will love.

1. Rinse and Prep Your Fruits

Start by thoroughly rinsing your strawberries, kiwis, and lemons under cold water. For the kiwis, peel off the outer hairy skin using a knife or a potato peeler, leaving behind the soft, green fruit.

Cut your lemons in half and juice them until you’ve gathered around 1 1/4 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This fresh juice is the soul of your lemonade!

2. Prepare the Fruit Purees

Next, it’s time to prep the fruit for that fresh, vibrant flavor. Cut your strawberries and kiwis into small pieces. Using your food processor, blend the strawberries first until smooth, then do the same for the kiwis.

You should have a vibrant strawberry puree and a tangy kiwi puree ready to go.

3. Start the Pasteurization Process

Now it’s time to bring everything together in the pot. Add 3 quarts of water into a large pot, followed by the fresh lemon juice, strawberry puree, kiwi puree, sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Heat this mixture over medium heat for 10-15 minutes to pasteurize it. This step not only helps prevent spoilage but also intensifies the flavors, bringing out the best in your fruit.

Make sure to taste the mixture along the way. Adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or more fruit puree if needed. It’s all about balance!

4. Strain and Cool

After pasteurizing, it’s time to strain the lemonade. Use your mesh strainer to separate the pulp from the liquid. This ensures a smooth, refreshing drink without any chunky bits.

Press the pulp down gently with a spatula to extract all the juice. You can save the leftover fruit pulp for making fruit salad or as a topping for yogurt, it’s healthy and packed with flavor!

Once strained, let the lemonade cool for 1-2 hours. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the pot in an ice bath.

5. Chill and Serve

Now that your lemonade has cooled, pour it into a large plastic pitcher. Stir it one last time to ensure the mixture is well combined. Refrigerate your lemonade for at least 15-20 hours (the longer, the better).

This gives the flavors time to meld together, creating a rich, full-bodied drink. When you’re ready to serve, give it one last stir, pour over ice, and enjoy! For an extra touch, garnish with a slice of lemon or a whole strawberry.

Video Tutorial: Watch & Sip!

If you’re a visual learner or just want to see the process in action, check out this easy-to-follow video tutorial that walks you through each step of making homemade strawberry kiwi lemonade.

Big thanks to Charlie Andrewsfor this refreshing and helpful video guide. Be sure to check out their channel for more creative recipes and summer drink ideas!

The Best Time to Drink Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade

Strawberry kiwi lemonade is the perfect drink for hot summer days when you need something refreshing. It’s ideal for summer parties, BBQs, or picnics, offering a vibrant color and refreshing taste that everyone will love.

The combination of fresh fruits makes it the perfect thirst-quencher on those scorching days.

It also works great for family gatherings or brunches, where it pairs well with light meals like salads or grilled dishes.

Plus, it’s a great post-workout refreshment, packed with vitamins and natural sugars to help you rehydrate and energize. Anytime you need a refreshing pick-me-up, this lemonade is the perfect choice!

Want to Customize Your Strawberry Kiwi Lemonade?

Looking to make your drink stand out or better match your taste? There are plenty of easy ways to tweak the classic recipe.

Try one of these simple changes to make it a little more fun, fruity, or just right for you:

• Add Fresh Herbs: Mint, basil, or thyme can enhance the refreshing flavor. Just muddle the herbs to release their aroma before adding them to your lemonade.

• Spice It Up with Ginger: Fresh ginger or ginger syrup adds a zesty kick and a warm depth to the drink.

• Try Different Citrus: Experiment with lime, orange, or grapefruit juice for a new citrusy twist.

• Add More Berries: Blend in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for an extra fruity punch.

• Make It Sparkling: Use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to give your lemonade a fizzy, refreshing upgrade.

• Switch Up the Sweeteners: Try honey, agave, or stevia for a different sweetness profile.

• Add a Splash of Alcohol: For an adult version, add a bit of vodka, rum, or tequila for a fun, fruity cocktail.

These easy changes will take your strawberry kiwi lemonade to the next level, giving it a personal touch!

How to Make the Perfect Lemonade Every Time?

For a fun twist on your strawberry kiwi lemonade, try freezing some of the fruit puree into ice cubes. This will keep the drink cold without diluting it as regular ice would.

You can also add a refreshing herbal touch by infusing the lemonade with basil or mint leaves. Simply add a few sprigs to the pitcher before chilling.

If you want to make the lemonade look as amazing as it tastes, try these tricks:

• Layer the drink: Create layers of strawberry puree, kiwi puree, and lemonade for a colorful, eye-catching effect.
• Add zest: Grate some lemon or lime zest into the lemonade for an extra citrusy kick.
• Chill the glasses: Pop your glasses in the freezer before serving to keep the lemonade colder for longer.

For an added burst of flavor, make a simple fruit syrup by simmering sugar with mashed strawberries or kiwis, then mix it into your lemonade. These simple tricks will elevate your strawberry kiwi lemonade and impress your guests!

Conclusion

Homemade strawberry kiwi lemonade brings together the bright acidity of lemons with the sweet, fruity notes of strawberries and kiwis to create a drink that’s both refreshing and satisfying.

By making it yourself, you control exactly what goes into your beverage while enjoying the superior taste that comes from fresh, natural ingredients.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the basic recipe – adding herbs like mint or basil, trying different sweeteners, or creating a sparkling version can all put your personal stamp on this summer classic.

The effort of making this lemonade from scratch is minimal compared to the pleasure it brings.

Keep a pitcher in your refrigerator all summer long, and watch how quickly it disappears! Thank you for reading!