Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Acai Lemonade, perfect for a hot day. Layers of homemade strawberry puree, creamy acai base, and tangy lemonade create a delightful and visually stunning drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 packets (100g each) frozen unsweetened acai puree
- 1/2 cup apple juice or water (for blending)
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh mint sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Thoroughly wash the strawberries under cold running water. Remove the green hulls using a paring knife or a strawberry huller.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the hulled strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides.
- Taste the puree and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- For an extra smooth puree, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
- Transfer the strawberry puree to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the frozen acai puree packets from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
- In a blender, combine the softened acai puree, apple juice (or water), and honey (or agave nectar, if using).
- Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more apple juice or water, one tablespoon at a time.
- Taste the acai base and adjust the sweetness as needed.
- Transfer the acai base to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely.
- While the simple syrup is cooling, juice the lemons.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and the remaining 3 cups of water.
- Stir the lemonade well to ensure that all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes.
- Fill each glass with ice cubes.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Option 1 (Layered Look): Strawberry puree, acai base, then lemonade.
- Option 2 (Swirled Effect): Strawberry puree, ice, lemonade, acai base, then swirl.
- Option 3 (Blended): Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Garnish each glass with fresh strawberry slices, lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh mint (optional).
- Serve the Strawberry Acai Lemonade immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste in the strawberry puree and lemonade.
- Don’t over-blend the strawberry puree and acai base.
- Chill all components thoroughly before assembling.
- Get creative with garnishes!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes