Refreshing, naturally fruity, and beautifully vibrant, this homemade strawberry juice is a simple drink made with real strawberries and just a few ingredients. It’s light, fresh, and perfect for warm days or a healthy homemade treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made with fresh strawberries
- Naturally refreshing and fruity
- Easy to customize sweetness
- No artificial flavors or colors
- Perfect served chilled over ice
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh ripe strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 2 cups filtered water
- 2–4 tablespoons granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
Wash the strawberries thoroughly under cool water.
Remove:
- green tops
- white cores
Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters.
2. Simmer the Strawberries
Place the sliced strawberries into a medium saucepan.
Add:
- 2 cups water
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Once simmering:
- reduce heat to LOW
- cover the pot
Cook for:
- 5–7 minutes
until the strawberries soften and release their color.
3. Mash the Fruit
Remove from heat.
Using:
- a potato masher
- fork
- or spoon
gently mash the strawberries to release more flavor and juice.
Let cool slightly for:
- 5–10 minutes
4. Strain the Juice
Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl or pitcher.
Pour the strawberry mixture through the sieve.
Press gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much juice as possible.
Discard the pulp or save it for:
- yogurt
- smoothies
- oatmeal
5. Sweeten & Finish
Stir in:
- sugar, honey, or maple syrup (if desired)
- lemon juice for extra brightness
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
If the juice is too strong, add a little extra cold water.
6. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice.
Optional garnish ideas:
- fresh strawberry slices
- lemon wedges
- mint leaves
Nutrition (Approximate Per 1 Cup Serving)
- Calories: 80–100
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 20–25g
- Fat: 0.5g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sodium: 5mg
Tips
- Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest flavor.
- For smoother juice, strain twice or use cheesecloth.
- Blend the strawberries before simmering for stronger flavor.
Variations
- Add sparkling water for strawberry soda.
- Mix with lemonade for strawberry lemonade.
- Blend with other berries for mixed berry juice.
- Add basil or mint for a fresh twist.
Conclusion
This homemade strawberry juice is bright, fruity, and wonderfully refreshing. With simple ingredients and fresh berry flavor, it’s an easy drink you’ll want to make again and again.
