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Sonic Strawberry Limeade

This copycat Sonic strawberry limeade recipe captures the bright, tangy flavor of the famous drink in your own kitchen. Ready in under 10 minutes using simple ingredients, it tastes nearly identical to the restaurant version at a fraction of the cost.
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Prep Time 8 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 4 glasses
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 4 to 5 limes
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water cold or room temperature
  • 2 cups ice cubes for serving
  • Fresh strawberry slices or lime wheels optional garnish

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Large pitcher (at least 2 quarts)
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or whisk
  • Tall glasses for serving
  • Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)

Method
 

  1. Hull your fresh strawberries by removing the green tops and any white core inside. Cut them in half so they blend smoothly and release their juice more easily when you blend them.
  2. Pour your halved strawberries into a blender or food processor.
  3. Cut your limes in half and juice them using a citrus juicer or by hand, making sure to strain out any seeds.
  4. Pour your fresh lime juice directly into the blender with the strawberries.
  5. Blend on high speed for about 30 to 45 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth with no strawberry chunks remaining.
  6. Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into your pitcher, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid. Straining removes the seeds and pulp.
  7. Stir in your granulated sugar and cold water to the strained strawberry-lime mixture. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
  8. Fill your glasses with ice cubes and pour the limeade over the top. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a lime wheel if desired.

Notes

Make this drink the night before and store it in the fridge without ice, then add fresh ice when you serve it to prevent dilution. Store finished limeade in an airtight pitcher in the fridge for up to 3 days. For a fizzy version, add a splash of sparkling water or club soda to the top of each glass. Frozen strawberries work beautifully if fresh aren't in season.