Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade in Just 10 Minutes

Name: Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 cups strawberries (sliced and divided); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons); 1 lemon (sliced); 6 cups club soda

This sparkling strawberry lemonade is sunshine in a glass - bright, fizzy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor. Sweet strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling bubbles come together in a drink that's light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping outside. 👇👇

A glass of sparkling strawberry lemonade.

Why I Love This Recipe

It's made with a simple homemade strawberry syrup (so much better than store-bought!) and finished with sparkling water right before serving for that fresh pop of fizz.

Fresh and fizzy: It's lighter than classic homemade lemonade and way more fun to drink.
Homemade syrup: Real strawberries give a natural sweetness and pretty pink color.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep the syrup early, then add soda right before serving.
Adjustable: Add more lemon for tang or sugar for sweetness - it's flexible!
Party-perfect: Looks gorgeous in a pitcher with lemon slices and berries floating on top.

Next up: everything you'll need to make this sparkling summer drink 👇👇

What Is Sparkling Lemonade?

Sparkling lemonade is simply classic lemonade mixed with carbonated water for a fizzy twist. The bubbles give it a light, refreshing texture - kind of like a homemade soda, but less sweet and made with real fruit. It's easy to customize with fresh berries, herbs like mint or basil, or even a splash of juice for color. Once you start making it at home, you'll never go back to store-bought again.

Strawberries, lemons, club soda, and sugar are in individual bowls.

Recipe Ingredients

3 cups strawberries, sliced and divided
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)
1 lemon, sliced
6 cups club soda (or sparkling water)

Optional for serving: ice cubes, lemon wedges, fresh mint, or extra berries

Step-By-Step Instructions 👇👇

The strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice are cooked in a pot until a syrup is formed.

STEP 1: Make the Strawberry Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine 2½ cups strawberries, ¾ cup sugar, and ½ cup lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes until strawberries are softened and sugar is dissolved. Mash gently with a fork or potato masher.

Optional: blend and strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth syrup with no seeds or pulp.

STEP 2: Cool the Syrup

Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
To speed it up, pour the mixture into a glass container and refrigerate or pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Club soda is added to chilled strawberry lemonade syrup in a large pitcher.

STEP 3: Build the Lemonade

Pour the cooled syrup into a large pitcher.
Add the remaining ½ cup strawberries and lemon slices. Stir well.

STEP 4: Add the Bubbles

Just before serving, gently stir in 6 cups of club soda or sparkling water.
This keeps your drink fresh and bubbly until the last sip.

STEP 5: Serve Chilled

Pour into tall glasses filled with ice. Garnish with mint leaves, lemon wedges, or extra berries.
Serve immediately for the most fizz and flavor!

Sparkling strawberry lemonade is being poured into a glass.

Why It's So Refreshing

This drink has the perfect mix of sweet, tart, and bubbly. The strawberry syrup gives it a fruity base, the lemon juice adds a crisp tang, and the club soda ties it all together with that refreshing sparkle.

Because the syrup is made from real fruit, it tastes naturally sweet, not artificial, and the bubbles make it feel like a special occasion drink (even if it's just a Tuesday afternoon).

Recipe Tips

Use fresh lemons: Bottled juice just doesn't compare.
Strain the syrup: For a smooth, pulp-free texture.
Chill everything: Cold syrup + cold soda = maximum fizz.
Add soda last: Always mix sparkling water right before serving.
Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go - you can always stir in more sugar or lemon.

Substitutions

Naturally sweetened: Replace sugar with honey or agave syrup.
Berry swaps: Try raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for new flavors.
Make it a mocktail: Add sliced cucumber or fresh mint leaves for spa-water vibes.
Frozen version: Blend the finished drink with ice for an instant summer slushie.

Flavor Variations

Strawberry Mint: Add a handful of fresh mint leaves to the syrup while it simmers.
Strawberry Basil: Stir chopped basil into the pitcher just before serving for a grown-up twist.
Mixed Berry Lemonade: Use a combo of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a deep pink hue.
Sparkling Strawberry Limeade: Swap lemon juice for lime for a tangier, tropical vibe.

Want more fresh, family-friendly drink ideas? You'll find tons of favorites in my Beverages collection - perfect for sunny days, brunches, and backyard dinners.

Make It a Cocktail

If you're hosting adults, turn this into a simple summer cocktail! Add a shot of vodka, gin, or prosecco to each glass before topping with sparkling water. You can also rim glasses with sugar and garnish with a lemon slice for an easy party upgrade.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Prep ahead: Make the strawberry syrup up to 3 days in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge.
Add bubbles later: Combine syrup and soda just before serving.
Store leftovers: The syrup alone keeps for 3-4 days in an airtight jar.
Avoid flat soda: Once mixed, enjoy within a few hours for best sparkle.

What To Serve With

This drink pairs perfectly with all your favorite summer dishes:

Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
BBQ burgers and hot dogs
Fresh fruit salad or Greek pasta salad
Lemon desserts like my Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake or Classic Lemon Bars

It's also beautiful for brunch, baby showers, or Summer backyard BBQs - everyone loves a pink fizzy drink!

A large pitcher is filled with sparkling strawberry lemonade.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Make the syrup in advance, store it in the fridge, and mix with sparkling water when you're ready to serve.

Do I have to strain the strawberries?

Not at all. Leave the pulp for a rustic, homemade look, or strain for a clean, smooth texture.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

You can, but fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, more natural flavor.

What's the difference between sparkling water and club soda?

Club soda has a slightly salty taste due to added minerals, while sparkling water is more neutral. Either works great here.

Can I make it sugar-free?

Yes, use a sugar substitute or make the syrup with monk fruit sweetener.