Homemade Chili's-Style Strawberry Lemonade

Instructions

1. 1

   To make the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This will yield approximately 1.5 cups of simple syrup.

2. 2

   To make the strawberry puree: In a separate small saucepan, combine the hulled and quartered strawberries, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the strawberries have softened and broken down. Mash them with a fork or potato masher. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. 3

   Strain the strawberry puree: Press the cooled strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a small bowl, using the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. This should yield about 1/2 cup of concentrated strawberry syrup.

4. 4

   Assemble the lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the strained strawberry syrup, and 1 to 1.5 cups of the cooled simple syrup (adjust this amount based on your preferred sweetness). Add 3-4 cups of cold water.

5. 5

   Stir well to combine all ingredients. Taste the strawberry lemonade and adjust the sweetness (add more simple syrup) or tartness (add more water or a tiny bit more lemon juice, if needed).

6. 6

   Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour the homemade Chili's-Style Strawberry Lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and whole strawberries, if desired, before serving.