Summer Lemonade Bar Fresh Fruit (Printable Version)

Vibrant summer lemonade station with fresh fruit and syrups for refreshing, customizable drinks.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Lemonade Base

01 - 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
02 - 1.25 cups granulated sugar
03 - 8 cups cold water
04 - 1 lemon, sliced

→ Fresh Fruit Mix-Ins

05 - 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
06 - 1 cup blueberries
07 - 1 cup raspberries
08 - 1 cup pineapple, diced
09 - 1 cup watermelon, cubed
10 - 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
11 - 1 orange, sliced

→ Syrups & Add-Ins

12 - 0.5 cup simple syrup
13 - 0.5 cup honey or agave syrup
14 - 0.25 cup fresh mint leaves
15 - 0.25 cup basil leaves
16 - Crushed ice or ice cubes as needed

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the cold water and lemon slices, mix to combine, and refrigerate until chilled.
02 - Place each type of fresh fruit in separate bowls or jars for easy self-service. Arrange mint, basil, and syrups in small containers with spoons or pourers. Set out plenty of ice or keep it in an ice bucket.
03 - Place the chilled lemonade base, fruit bowls, herbs, syrups, and ice on a table or counter. Provide glasses, straws, and stirrers for guest convenience.
04 - Allow guests to fill their glasses with ice and lemonade, then customize with their choice of fruits, herbs, and syrups. Stir thoroughly and enjoy.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Guests feel like they're getting something special when they can customize every sip instead of drinking what you've decided for them.
  • The setup takes just twenty minutes but looks like you've spent hours, which means more time actually enjoying people instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • Kids and adults genuinely have fun with this, and there's something magical about watching someone discover their new favorite flavor combination.
02 -
  • Don't make your base too sweet or you'll regret it when guests want to add honey and suddenly their drinks taste like candy, so lean toward slightly less sugar than you think you need and let the honey and fruits add their own sweetness.
  • Pre-cut fruit oxidizes and browns, so you can prep it an hour ahead maximum, or better yet cut it while your guests are arriving so everything looks fresh and vibrant in its bowls.
03 -
  • If someone asks for sparkling lemonade, keep club soda chilling separately and let them top their glass themselves, which preserves carbonation and makes them feel like they're getting an upgrade.
  • Make extra lemonade base because people get thirsty and refill more than you'd expect, and running out mid-party feels worse than having leftover lemonade to drink for days.
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