Love Potion Pink Lemonade
Fall in love with Love Potion Pink Lemonade! This luscious Valentine's Day cocktail (or mocktail!) features fresh strawberries and lemons for a romantic and utterly delicious drink. Easy to make and perfect for sharing special moments.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup vodka optional
- 1 tsp rose water optional
- Ice cubes
- Garnishes: strawberry slices lemon wedges, mint sprigs
Instructions
Get Started:
- Wash and hull fresh strawberries. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Juice lemons to get 1 cup of fresh juice.
Make Strawberry Puree:
- In a blender, blend strawberries until completely smooth. Set aside.
Make Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup of water.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Mix Lemonade:
- In a large pitcher, combine cooled sugar syrup, strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, and remaining 3 cups of water.
- If making a cocktail, add vodka and rose water (if using). Stir well.
Chill and Serve:
- Add plenty of ice to the pitcher.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for best flavor and temperature.
- Serve in glasses filled with ice.
- Garnish with strawberry slices, lemon wedges, and mint sprigs.
Notes
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Make it Sparkling:
For an extra festive touch, top off each glass of Love Potion Pink Lemonade with a splash of sparkling water or club soda just before serving. This adds a delightful fizz and lightness to the drink, perfect for celebrations.
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Herb Infusion:
Elevate the flavor profile by infusing the simple syrup with fresh herbs. Try adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil to the saucepan while making the syrup. Let it steep as it cools, then remove the herbs before mixing the lemonade. This adds a subtle, sophisticated herbal note.
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Fruity Variations:
Get creative with fruit combinations! In addition to strawberries, try adding other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry lemonade. Peach or mango puree can also be delightful additions, creating unique and flavorful variations of your Love Potion.
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Spice it Up (for Adults):
For a bolder cocktail, especially for those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a thinly sliced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the simple syrup while it cools. This will impart a subtle heat that complements the sweetness and tartness of the lemonade, creating a Love Potion with a kick.
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Batch for a Crowd:
Love Potion Pink Lemonade is perfect for parties! To easily serve a larger group, make a big batch of the lemonade base (puree, syrup, lemon juice, and water) ahead of time and keep it chilled in a large dispenser. Set out bottles of vodka and rose water for guests to customize their own cocktails as they serve themselves.