Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade
A refreshing sparkling lemonade infused with fresh strawberries and aromatic rosemary, ideal for a festive and elegant Mother's Day beverage. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 20 minutes brings together hulled and sliced fresh strawberries, fresh rosemary sprigs, granulated sugar for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 70 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup, hulled and sliced fresh strawberries
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (about 5 lemons) fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups cold sparkling water
- as needed ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 2 sprigs fresh rosemary. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Strain the rosemary syrup into a pitcher, discarding the sprigs. Add 1 cup fresh lemon juice and 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries to the pitcher.
- Step 3: Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently crush the strawberries in the pitcher to release their juices and flavor.
- Step 4: Fill the pitcher with 4 cups cold sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the strawberry-rosemary lemonade over the ice, garnishing with a fresh rosemary sprig and a strawberry slice if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade?
Refrigerate any leftover strawberry-rosemary sparkling lemonade in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry-Rosemary Sparkling Lemonade?
American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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