Panera Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Panera Strawberry Lemonade is that perfect balance of sweet and tangy, blended with a refreshing burst of fruity flavor that makes every sip feel like summer in a glass.

How to make Panera Strawberry Lemonade

Panera Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing, blended drink sold by Panera Bread.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled) – Fresh is ideal, but frozen strawberries will work too!
• 1/2 cup lemonade – Use your favorite brand, or opt for homemade if you want to keep it fully from scratch.
• 1/4 cup strawberry syrup or purée – This adds an extra layer of strawberry flavor. You can find strawberry syrup in stores, or blend up a simple purée of fresh strawberries and a splash of sugar.
• 2–3 tablespoons honey or agave syrup – Panera uses agave in their drinks, but honey is a great alternative. Adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
• 2 cups ice cubes – The key to that perfect frozen, slushy texture!

Optional Garnishes:

• Sliced fresh strawberries for topping
• A wedge of lemon or a sprig of fresh mint

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and hull your strawberries. If you’re making homemade lemonade or strawberry syrup, prep those ahead of time.
2. Blend It All Together: In a high-speed blender, combine the fresh strawberries, lemonade, strawberry syrup, honey (or agave), and ice cubes. Blend on high until the mixture is thick, smooth, and slushy.
3. Taste and Adjust: Once blended, take a sip of your lemonade. If you’d like it sweeter, add a little more honey or agave and blend again. For more tartness, add a splash of extra lemonade.
4. Serve and Garnish: Pour the strawberry lemonade into a glass and top with sliced strawberries, a wedge of lemon, or a sprig of mint for a fresh, decorative touch. Serve immediately with a reusable straw or spoon to enjoy the frozen goodness!

Tips for the Best Panera Strawberry Lemonade

• Use Fresh, In-Season Strawberries: If it’s strawberry season, grab the freshest ones you can find. They’ll bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the drink. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries are just as effective for a frosty version.
• Choose the Right Sweetener: Panera uses agave for its mild, natural sweetness, but you can experiment with honey, granulated sugar, or even a sugar-free syrup like stevia-based sweeteners if you’re cutting back on sugar.
• Customize the Lemonade Base: The type of lemonade you use makes a big difference! From store-bought lemonade to your homemade version, choose one with a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Up the Strawberry Flavor: For an even stronger strawberry flavor, add more purée or syrup. You can also try a few pieces of freeze-dried strawberries blended in to intensify the flavor.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the drink feels too thick, thin it out with a small splash of lemonade. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, add another handful of ice and blend it again.
• Make It a Mocktail or Cocktail: For a fun twist, turn this drink into a mocktail by adding a splash of sparkling water. If you’re feeling indulgent, a shot of vodka or rum creates a delightful summertime cocktail!

What to serve with

Panera Strawberry lemonade is a refreshing and flavorful drink, perfect for warm weather and casual gatherings. Pairing it with carefully selected foods can enhance the overall dining experience.

• Fruit and Cheese Platter: Pair the lemonade with a mix of cheeses (like brie, gouda, or goat cheese) and fruits such as grapes, apple slices, fresh pineapples, and melons. The fruity drink balances the creaminess of the cheese and complements the natural sweetness of the fruits.
• Caprese Skewers: Assemble mini skewers with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves, drizzled with balsamic glaze. The tart-sweet profile of the lemonade matches beautifully with the fresh flavors of the Caprese.
• Veggie Sticks and Hummus: Serve fresh carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell peppers with a variety of hummus dips, such as roasted red pepper or lemon garlic. These crisp veggies echo the fresh vibes of the lemonade.
• Fresh Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The zesty flavors of guacamole pair wonderfully with the citrus tang of the lemonade.

Ingredients Substitutes

Panera Strawberry Lemonade is a refreshing combination of fresh strawberries and lemon mixed with sugar for sweetness.

1. Fresh Strawberries

If fresh strawberries are unavailable, here are substitutes:

• Frozen Strawberries: These are a great alternative as they’re typically frozen at their peak ripeness. Let them thaw and blend them into the lemonade.
• Strawberry Jam or Preserves: A small amount of jam can be mixed with water to mimic the strawberry taste, though it will be sweeter.
• Strawberry Puree: Store-bought puree or syrup can work, but check for added sugars.
• Other Fresh Berries: If strawberries are completely inaccessible, you can use raspberries or another sweet berry like blueberries as a substitute. They will alter the flavor slightly but still be delicious.

2. Lemon Juice

If you don’t have fresh lemons to squeeze, try these alternatives:

• Bottled Lemon Juice: A convenient backup, but ensure it’s 100% lemon juice without additives.
• Lime Juice: Lime is tangier but can be used as a substitute for a citrus kick. Mix lime juice with a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
• Citric Acid Powder: Dissolve a small amount of citric acid powder in water. Be careful to avoid overusing, as it is very concentrated.
• Vinegar: In extreme cases, a splash of mild white vinegar (like apple cider vinegar) can mimic some acidic qualities of lemon.

3. Sugar or Sweetener

If you’re looking for alternatives to sugar, here are options:

• Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the fruity flavors well. It adds a slight floral note to the lemonade.
• Maple Syrup: Provides sweetness with a subtle complexity.
• Agave Syrup: A low-glycemic sweetener that dissolves easily.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free option, these natural sweeteners work while keeping the drink calorie-light.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness with a slight caramel undertone. It will change the color of your lemonade slightly.

4. Water

Though water is readily available in most cases, you can elevate the beverage by using flavored alternatives:

• Sparkling Water: Adds a fizzy touch and makes the lemonade feel more festive. You can also try flavored sparkling water, like lemon or berry.
• Coconut Water: A naturally sweet and refreshing option that can enhance tropical flavors.
• Herbal Tea Base: Prepare subtle iced teas (like chamomile or hibiscus) for layering flavors instead of plain water.

Final Thoughts

Now you’re all set to recreate Panera Strawberry Lemonade magic in your kitchen.

More Lemonade Recipes:

• Lemonade with Simple Syrup
• Soaring Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Costco Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
• Copycat Chick-Fil-A Peach Lemonade Recipe