Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cups cold water
  • 1 tsp lemon extract

Instructions:

  1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the liquid becomes completely clear and the sugar crystals vanish. Remove from heat immediately to avoid caramelization.
  2. Place hulled strawberries in a high-speed blender and pulse until the mixture is a deep, uniform red and completely smooth.
  3. Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl, using a spoon to press the solids and remove the seeds.
  4. In a large pitcher, stir together the strained strawberry puree, fresh lemon juice, and the cooled simple syrup.
  5. Pour in the cold water and stir vigorously until the color is consistent. Stir in the lemon extract for additional zest if desired.