State Fair Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing and flavorful drink that combines the tartness of lemon with the sweetness of strawberries. It’s meant to be one huge extra large drink, intending to last as you wander around a state fair. However, you don’t have to mess with any crowds when you can make it at home! I also have homemade freshly squeezed lemonade that will surely quench your thirst, too.
Why Is It Called State Fair Strawberry Lemonade?
State Fair describes this drink to bring back memories of the good old-fashioned lemonade you can get at the state fair. It’s referring to freshly squeezed lemons that give you a refreshingly tart drink. It also can reference the size of the drink…large enough to keep your thirst quenched for a while as you walk around the fairgrounds!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon: You will use all of one lemon in this drink (well, except for the seeds). After juicing it, set aside the juiced halves to add to the mixture. This ensures that no potential lemon flavor is wasted.
Sugar: The amount of sugar added was enough when combined with the sweet strawberry syrup. Of course, you can adjust the amount to taste.
Strawberry Simple Syrup: Strawberry syrup is a concentrated syrup that is commonly used as a flavoring ingredient. It’s used in both beverages (like this one) and food recipes. Look for it online or at grocery stores where they sell syrups, toppings, and flavorings.
Ice: I prefer crushed ice, but any ice would work in this recipe. Make sure to leave enough room for a cup of water.
Water: I added regular still water to the drink. However, you could certainly try it with sparkling water, soda water, or even lemon-lime soda.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Your best bet is to wash, juice, and cut up the lemons ahead of time, then add in the remaining ingredients when ready to serve.
State Fair Strawberry Lemonade
Ingredients
- 1 medium lemon, washed, juiced, lemon halves reserved
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 ounce strawberry syrup
- crushed ice
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Set out a 32-ounce deli container with a lid.
- Juice the lemon into a small bowl. Set aside. Reserve the juiced halves, removing the seeds.
- To the bottom of the container, add the juiced lemon halves.
- Add sugar and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Add strawberry syrup.
- Top with crushed ice, filling almost to the top of the container, leaving room for the water.
- Pour in water. Place the lid securely on the container. Flip upside down and shake to mix.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
Summers mean fairs and fairs mean lemonade. It's a fact. I literally crave the state fair lemonade on a hot day. This version can easily be made from home to satisfy that craving all year long!
Elizabeth
Refreshing, and not too sweet with the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon halves in the drink. Next time, I am going to try it with sparkling water for a little fizz!
Bella
So refreshing! This is a great recipe to try if you're a big fan of the lemonade from the state fair. The sweet strawberry syrup mixes so well with the tangy lemon. A delicious combo! Also great for the hot summer.
Rachael
SO GOOD! Lemonade is my favorite drink ever and strawberry is just perfectly balanced in this. Sweet from the strawberry and tangy from the lemon, absolutely perfect for the summer (or year-round if you're me)!
Selena
iOh yum! Perfectly balanced strawberry and lemon flavors. I will make sure not to buy any strawberry syrup or I would be tempted to make them all the time!
Annabelle
Super refreshing! A little sweet and perfectly tangy, just like the fair!
This is a very tasty noggin. I added a shot of vodka and it was even tastier. BRAVO!
This is a Great refreshing treat! I made it today and I can not wait to make it for my grand kids!!!
It might have a State Fair in the title, but to me it screams … Summertime!!
This was delicious. I wish I had the ingredient amounts to make for a baby shower I’m giving in July. 25 people.
Looks refreshing! Gonna try it!