Copycat Burger King Real Juice Lemonades Strawberry Lemonade

Summer does something magical to our taste buds. Suddenly, everything tart, sweet, cold, and juicy becomes irresistible, and nothing hits quite like a strawberry lemonade. The Burger King Real Juice Lemonades Strawberry Lemonade isn’t just a drink, it’s a full-blown heatwave memory. You know the one. The kind of day where your fingers are sticky with sugar, your lips stained pink, and there’s a lazy sun hanging low in the sky.

This copycat recipe brings all that brightness home. It’s a drink you’ll want to sip slow on a porch swing, toes brushing the grass. Burger King’s version came onto the scene with that dreamy candy-sweet strawberry swirl, a citrusy zing that bites just enough, and a rich pink hue that promises refreshment before the first sip even touches your lips. With a few fresh ingredients, a blender, and some chilled ice cubes, you can recreate that glass of happiness right in your own kitchen.

I still remember the first time I ordered one. I was parched after a long drive along the coast, sun creeping down the windshield, and that lemonade appeared like a reward. Sweet, cold, a little bit pulpy, and totally perfect. Since then, I’ve been playing with the ratios to get it just right. Today, you get to enjoy the results.

How to make Burger King Real Juice Lemonades Strawberry Lemonade

The magic starts with a thick strawberry purée. Not just mashed berries, but a blend smooth enough to swirl yet bold enough to punch through lemon’s zing. You’ll pair that with a sugar-rich lemonade base and finish it with cold water, ice, and just a hint of texture enhancer if you’re going for the ultra-smooth BK mouthfeel.

The sweetness is high (Burger King isn’t shy with sugar), so don’t feel guilty if it tastes like dessert. That’s exactly the point. It’s a treat, not a tonic. If you’re making a batch for kids, dial it back just a touch. For adults with a nostalgia craving? Keep it true to form.

Nutrition facts (per 16 oz serving)

Calories: 300
Sugar: 73 g
Fat: 0 g
Sodium: 15 mg
Protein: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 78 g

Ingredients (2 servings)

For the lemonade base:

• ½ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (or ⅓ cup lemon concentrate + ⅓ cup water)
• ¾ cup white sugar
• 1 cup cold water

For the strawberry swirl:

• ½ cup ripe strawberries (hulled)
• 1 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Optional: ⅛ teaspoon xanthan gum or clear-jel for texture
• Optional: 1 drop beet juice or red food color for that iconic pink hue

To assemble:

• 2 cups ice cubes
• Extra water for dilution (about 1 cup, to taste)

Tools you’ll need

• Blender
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for a smoother finish)
• Citrus juicer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pitcher or mixing jug
• Two tall 16 oz glasses
• Spoon or straw for stirring

Instructions

1. Make the lemonade syrup
   In a small saucepan, heat the sugar with 1 cup of water just until the sugar fully dissolves. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon juice. Chill in the fridge until cold.
2. Blend the strawberry purée
   In your blender, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and optional xanthan gum or clear-jel. Blend until completely smooth. If you prefer no pulp, strain through a fine mesh sieve. Chill for at least 15 minutes.
3. Assemble the drinks
   In each glass, add 1 cup of ice. Pour about ¾ cup lemonade base over the ice.
4. Swirl in the strawberry
   Spoon about ¼ cup of strawberry purée on top of the lemonade. Give it one gentle stir to marble the pink into the yellow without fully mixing. This mimics BK’s layered look and texture.
5. Finish and serve
   Top with extra cold water to your taste, stir gently again, and serve immediately with a wide straw or long spoon.

Tips

• For the brightest color, use strawberries that are dark red all the way through. Avoid pale or under-ripe berries.
• Make your lemonade base the night before for easier assembly and stronger chill.
• Want a freezer version? Freeze half the lemonade in ice cube trays and blend the cubes with remaining lemonade and purée for a slushy version.
• If using xanthan gum, blend it thoroughly to avoid clumping. It gives that slightly syrupy BK mouthfeel.

What to serve with

Fresh and crunchy

Pair this strawberry lemonade with watermelon wedges, cucumber salad, or a crisp veggie spring roll. It lightens the sweetness and keeps things hydrating.

Comforting treats

For a cozy contrast, try it with warm funnel cake fries, churros, or even a simple buttered biscuit. The sugar will match, and the textures play off each other in the best way.

Savory counterpoints

Spicy chicken tenders, salty fries, or crispy mozzarella sticks all benefit from a cold, sweet chaser like this. It resets your tastebuds after every bite.

Variations

• Frozen BK-style: Freeze some of the lemonade and purée in cubes, then blend for a thick, drinkable slush.
• Herbal twist: Add a few torn basil or mint leaves to the strawberry purée before blending. It’ll taste like a garden party in a cup.
• Boozy lemonade: A splash of vodka or gin makes this a brilliant summer cocktail. Just stir in after assembly and garnish with a lemon wheel.
• Citrus blend: Swap some lemon juice for lime or orange juice for a mixed-citrus twist.

Ingredient substitutes

• Strawberries: Use frozen if fresh aren’t sweet enough. Thaw and drain before blending.
• Lemon juice: Bottled concentrate works if you can’t get fresh, just adjust the sweetness to balance any bitterness.
• Sugar: Honey or agave syrup can replace the sugar, but may tint the drink and alter the flavor slightly.
• Xanthan gum: If unavailable, skip it or use a pinch of cornstarch or a spoonful of instant pudding powder (yes, really) for body.