Spicy Strawberry-Jalapeño Lemonade Recipe

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
J. Kenji López-Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated Aug. 30, 2018
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Dave Katz

Sweet ripe strawberries are macerated with sugar and jalapeños for a sweet, hot and totally refreshing summer drink. Like Strawberry Shortcake wearing hot pants.

Looking for more lemonade variations? Check out these 12 delicious summer sippers.

Recipe Details

Spicy Strawberry-Jalapeño Lemonade Recipe

Active 30 mins
Total 30 mins
Serves 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 quart strawberries, hulled and split in quarters lengthwise
  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, cut into 4 pieces
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 1 cup fresh juice from 10 to 12 lemons
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 quart ice

Directions

  1. Combine strawberries, jalepeño slices, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Let rest for 30 minutes.

  2. Remove and discard jalapeño slices. Set aside 1 cup of macerated strawberries for garnish. Transfer remaining strawberries and any exuded juices and syrup into a blender. Add lemon juice. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Discard solids. Add reserved strawberries and cold water and whisk to combine. Add ice. Serve in ice-filled glasses garnished with a strawberry and a jalapeño slice.

Special equipment

blender