Strawberry Lemonade Summer Pops

Nothing says summer quite like these strawberry lemonade popsicles The recipe is all about celebrating sunshine with just three simple ingredients turning blisteringly hot afternoons into sweet fun with the kids You get bursts of tangy lemonade and juicy strawberries all frozen into the most refreshing treat

I first came up with this on a sweltering Saturday when the kids were restless and begging for something cold Now it is on repeat all summer long and even the adults sneak a few from the freezer

Ingredients

• Simply Lemonade: The base for that bright punchy lemonade flavor I find Simply Lemonade has just the right touch of real lemon and sweetness but any quality lemonade works well Look for lemonades without artificial flavors for best taste
• Strawberries fresh diced: The berries bring color and natural sweetness plus texture to every bite Choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant for the juiciest popsicles
• Sugar: Helps coax out the juices from the strawberries and balances the tartness of the lemonade Try to use fine cane sugar which dissolves best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries:

Add diced strawberries to a small mixing bowl Sprinkle sugar evenly over the fruit Stir gently so all berries are coated Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes This draws out the strawberries natural juices and creates a little syrup I like to mash a few just enough to release extra flavor but keep most pieces intact for bites of fruit in every popsicle

Fill the Popsicle Molds:

Spoon the juicy strawberry mixture into each section of your popsicle mold Divide evenly so each popsicle gets strawberry and plenty of syrup

Add the Lemonade:

Carefully pour Simply Lemonade into each mold over the strawberries Fill nearly to the top leaving a small space to allow for expansion as they freeze This helps prevent spills

Insert Sticks and Freeze:

Place the lid on your popsicle mold and slide in a wooden or reusable popsicle stick Freeze undisturbed for at least several hours or until completely solid If you want your strawberries spread throughout rather than settling at the bottom gently stir each mold halfway through freezing I usually skip this step as my family loves the fruity surprise at the end

Release and Enjoy:

Once frozen solid run the molds briefly under warm water to loosen Remove popsicles and enjoy right away for the brightest flavor

Save

Strawberries are always a favorite in my house I adore the way their sweetness intensifies when frozen My kids especially get a kick out of the vibrant red strawberry bits at the end we always end up with sticky fingers and big grins

Storage Tips

Keep popsicles tightly sealed in their molds or transfer to an airtight freezer container They stay fresh and flavorful for up to three weeks in the freezer If stacking in a freezer bag place parchment between layers to prevent sticking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any store bought lemonade or homemade lemonade if you prefer Raspberries and blueberries also work beautifully and give a fun twist on colors If you like less sweetness skip the sugar or halve the amount

Serving Suggestions

Serve these popsicles at backyard parties or as a bright finish to a barbecue They are also a lifesaver for calming down cranky kids on hot days For a grown up spin try freezing with a splash of limoncello for an adults only treat

Fun Summer Pop History

Homemade frozen fruit bars actually have their origins with kids It was an eleven year old who accidentally left soda and a stick on his porch overnight during a chilly California night in 1905 Now hundreds of flavor combinations exist but the fruity classics always win at family gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use homemade lemonade?

Yes, homemade lemonade works well. Adjust sweetness to your preference for a balanced flavor.

→ Should the strawberries be pureed or left chunky?

It’s up to you! For pieces in each bite, dice them. For smoother pops, puree the strawberries before adding.

→ How long do these pops need to freeze?

Freeze the pops for at least 4–6 hours, or until completely solid for easy removal from the molds.

→ Can I make them without added sugar?

Yes, skip the sugar if your strawberries and lemonade are sweet enough, or use a sweetener you like.

→ How do I keep strawberries from sinking or floating?

To evenly distribute fruit, stir gently a couple of times during the initial freezing phase or puree the berries.