Soaring Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Recently, Burger King introduced the Soaring Strawberry Lemonade, inspired by the whimsical spirit of How to Train Your Dragon. And let me tell you, it’s not just a drink; it’s an adventure in a cup!

How to make Soaring Strawberry Lemonade

The Soaring Strawberry Lemonade is a limited-time beverage offered at Burger King, launched as part of the chain’s collaboration with the “How to Train Your Dragon” movie franchise.

Ingredients

Lemonade Base

• 2-3 lemons (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey (adjust sweetness to taste)
• 1 cup cold water
• Ice cubes

Strawberry Puree

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Splash of water (to help blend the strawberries)
• Extra Ingredients (Optional)
• Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for presentation)
• Strawberry chunks (for an extra fruity twist)

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Lemonade Base

1. Juice the lemons: Roll them on your countertop before juicing to release more juice. Squeeze 2-3 lemons into a bowl or measuring cup.
2. Sweeten it up: Add 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey to the juice. Stir until completely dissolved.
3. Add water: Pour in 1 cup of cold water, then stir to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Chill: Add ice cubes and set the lemonade aside.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Puree

1. Prep strawberries: Wash fresh strawberries thoroughly or thaw frozen ones. Remove the stems.
2. Blend: Add the strawberries, sugar (if needed), and a splash of water to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
3. Strain: Pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any seeds if you prefer a smoother texture.

Step 3: Assemble Your Soaring Strawberry Lemonade

1. Layer the drink: Start by pouring your chilled lemonade into a glass filled with ice.
2. Add the strawberry puree: Slowly spoon or pour a layer of the puree on top. Let it “swirl” naturally or lightly stir for a beautiful ombre effect.
3. Garnish and serve: Add a sprig of mint, a slice of lemon, or some fresh strawberry chunks for an extra flourish.

Tips for the Perfect Soaring Strawberry Lemonade

• Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and ripe strawberries will yield the best flavor.
• Experiment with sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add extra sugar or honey—or use sweetened lemonade.
• Enhance the color: Want to make it pop visually? Use ripe, deep-red strawberries for a more vibrant puree.
• Chill before serving: For maximum refreshment, refrigerate your lemonade and puree for a few hours before assembling the drink.
• Make it bubbly: Swap cold water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy twist.

What to serve with

The vibrant and fruity flavors of Soaring Strawberry Lemonade—a perfect balance of tangy lemonade and sweet strawberries—make it a fantastic centerpiece for a casual meal, backyard picnic, or themed party.

1. Grilled Foods

The citrusy notes of lemonade pair naturally with smoky, grilled dishes. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or need a quick meal, try these options:

• Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken skewers with a hint of lemon or herb seasoning mimic the freshness of the drink.
• Grilled Salmon: A glazed salmon with honey and lemon works beautifully alongside the fruity strawberry notes.
• Veggie Kebabs: Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions, lightly seasoned and charred, make a fantastic vegetarian pairing.

2. Salty Snacks

Salty finger foods contrast well with the sweetness of the lemonade. Consider serving:

• Popcorn: Movie night? A lightly salted or buttered popcorn (or even caramel popcorn) goes great with your themed drink.
• Pretzels: Soft and warm salted pretzels—or even pretzel bites—add that satisfying umami punch.
• Chips & Dip: Tortilla chips with guacamole, salsa, or a creamy spinach dip balance the citrus flavors beautifully.

3. Light Sandwiches or Wraps

Lemonade and sandwiches are a classic combination for outdoor gatherings. Try:

• Turkey and Swiss Wraps: A light, deli-style turkey wrap with a bit of mayo or mustard is easy to make and complements the drink’s fruity tones.
• Caprese Sandwich: Fresh mozzarella, basil, tomato, and balsamic glaze on crusty bread offer a refreshing taste that mirrors the lemonade’s brightness.
• Vegetarian sandwiches: A hummus or avocado-based sandwich packed with cucumbers and sprouts would pair beautifully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Soaring Strawberry Lemonade can become even more versatile if you use substitutes for key ingredients, whether for dietary preferences, allergies, or to make the most of what you have on hand.

Substitutes for Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries are the star of this drink, but if they’re unavailable or you’re looking for a different flavor, try these alternatives:

• Frozen Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can serve as a suitable alternative to fresh ones. Just thaw them slightly before blending or mashing.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: If fresh strawberries are unavailable, strawberry jam can serve as a suitable substitute for flavor. Use it sparingly, as it’s sweeter and thicker.
• Raspberries: For a tangy twist, swap strawberries with raspberries. They are equally vibrant but a little sharper in flavor.
• Mixed Berries: Add variety with a mix of blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a unique berry lemonade.
• Peaches or Watermelon: These fruits can be blended in as alternatives for a different summery twist to the drink.

Substitutes for Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon juice provides acidity and brightness, but there are substitutes if fresh lemons are unavailable:

• Lime Juice: Lime juice can be swapped 1:1 for lemon juice. It’ll give a slightly more tropical flavor but keep the drink equally refreshing.
• Bottled Lemon Juice: Bottled lemon juice can be used as a substitute in a pinch. Just ensure it’s 100% juice and not a sweetened concentrate.
• White Vinegar: Though unconventional, a very small amount of white vinegar can mimic the tanginess of lemon in a pinch.
• Orange Juice: For a sweeter and less tangy alternative, fresh orange juice can be used as a substitute for lemon. It results in a milder citrus flavor.
• Citric Acid Powder: If lemons are unavailable, dissolve a small pinch of citric acid in water to replicate the tartness.

Substitutes for Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness, but there are many alternatives to suit various dietary and taste preferences:

• Honey: A natural sweetener, honey blends well into the lemonade. Use slightly less than sugar, as it’s sweeter.
• Agave Nectar: Agave is a great liquid substitute that complements fruity flavors well.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: These are low-calorie alternatives that work well for sugar-free options. Adjust the amount depending on the sweetness concentration.
• Maple Syrup: A surprising substitute, maple syrup adds sweetness with a slight hint of flavor.
• Coconut Sugar: For a caramel-like sweetness, coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for regular sugar.
• Simple Syrup: You can prepare simple syrup with any substitute sweetener (e.g., cane sugar or brown sugar) for easier mixing.

Final Thoughts

When serving Soaring Strawberry Lemonade, the key is to keep the food light, refreshing, and fun! Think of summertime vibes, playful flavors, and bright colors to complement the drink’s whimsical nature.

More Lemonade Recipes:

• Copycat Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Ocean Spray Blueberry Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Modelo Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Popeyes Pickle Lemonade Recipe