Strawberry Lemonade

1/2 pound fresh strawberries , stems removed
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 1/2-5 cups water , divided
1 1/2 cups fresh-squeezed lemon juice

Use a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries. Strain them through a fine mesh sieve, if desired, to remove seeds.

In a small saucepan, over medium heat, stir together sugar and 2 cups water.

Bring to a boil, and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.

Strain the lemon juice through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart pitcher. Add simple syrup and pureed strawberries and stir to combine.

Refrigerate until cold.

When ready to serve, add 2 1/2 cups of cold water and stir. Taste, and add more water if it's too sweet.

Serve with ice.

(Source: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/strawberry-lemonade/)