There’s something nostalgic and grounding about lemonade: the clink of ice in a glass, the citrusy aroma that hits just right, and that satisfying lip smack after sipping the first quarter of a fresh, cold glass of it on the hottest day of the year.

This summer, we’re leveling up from basic lemon and sugar. We’re talking fresh fruit, real citrus, and agave for a smoother, low-glycemic sweetness that won’t spike your energy or your guilt.

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1. Strawberry Agave Lemonade

This is summer in a glass — bright, sweet, and just the right amount of tart.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
• 1/3 cup agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice + strawberry slices for garnish

Directions:

1. Blend strawberries with 1/2 cup water until smooth.
2. Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother lemonade.
3. In a large pitcher, mix lemon juice, agave, strawberry purée, and remaining water.
4. Stir well and serve over ice with a fresh strawberry slice on the rim.

Bonus Tip: Add a few torn mint leaves for a refreshing twist.

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2. Blueberry Basil Lemonade

Earthy basil and sweet blueberries create a balanced, elevated flavor you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup basil leaves
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup agave syrup
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice + extra basil for garnish

Directions:

1. Muddle blueberries and basil in a bowl or blend briefly.
2. Combine with lemon juice, agave, and water in a pitcher.
3. Let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the basil to infuse.
4. Serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of basil and a few whole blueberries.

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3. Mango Ginger Lemonade

Tropical with a little heat, this one’s for those who like a bold sip with a gentle zing.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup agave syrup
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice + mango cubes or crystallized ginger for garnish

Directions:

1. Blend mango and ginger with 1/2 cup water until smooth.
2. Stir into a pitcher with lemon juice, agave, and remaining water.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or ginger to your liking.
4. Serve chilled with a mango chunk or ginger slice on top.

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4. Peach Lavender Lemonade

Delicate, floral, and soothing — perfect for golden hour.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender (or 1 lavender tea bag)
• 1 cup lemon juice
• 1/3 cup agave syrup
• 4 cups cold water

Directions:

1. Steep lavender in 1 cup hot water for 5–7 minutes. Strain and cool.
2. Blend peaches with 1/2 cup water until smooth.
3. In a pitcher, combine lemon juice, agave, peach purée, lavender water, and remaining cold water.
4. Chill well before serving. Garnish with a peach slice or edible flower.

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5. Watermelon Mint Lemonade

Refreshing, cooling, and packed with hydrating goodness — this version keeps the rich flavor of real watermelon while skipping the grit and seeds.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chopped regular watermelon, seeds removed as best as possible
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4–1/3 cup agave syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups cold water
• Ice + watermelon wedge or mint sprig for garnish

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Directions:

1. Prep the watermelon:
   Cut the watermelon into chunks and manually remove as many black seeds as possible. Don’t worry about the small white ones — they’ll get strained out.
2. Blend:
   In a blender, combine the watermelon chunks and mint leaves with 1/2 cup cold water. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain:
   Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl or pitcher. Press with a spoon to extract all the juice while filtering out seeds and pulp.
4. Mix:
   In a large pitcher, stir together the watermelon-mint juice, lemon juice, agave, and remaining water. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
5. Serve:
   Chill for at least 30 minutes, then pour over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig or a small triangle of watermelon (seed-free, of course).

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Optional Upgrades:

• Add a splash of sparkling water before serving for a bubbly twist.
• Freeze strained watermelon juice into ice cubes and toss them in for extra chill with zero dilution.

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Pro Tips:

• Use Meyer lemons for a naturally sweeter citrus profile.
• Add a splash of sparkling water for fizz.
• Freeze blended fruit into ice cubes and drop them into plain lemonade for color and flair.

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Final Sip:

It’s about to be hot — like, don’t-touch-me hot. But with a few fresh ingredients and a quick stir, you’re suddenly cool, hydrated, and just the right kind of bougie. These lemonades keep it effortless and elevated. Sip pretty, stay chill.

Which lemonade recipe are you making first and who are you sharing it with?
Drop your favorite in the comments or tag me in your summer sips. I’d love to see your creations!