Wendy’s Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Copycat)

Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by Niks

If you’ve ever had Wendy’s strawberry lemonade on a hot day, you know exactly why people can’t stop talking about it. It’s sweet, tart, cold, and just bright enough to make your day better.

After a few drive-thru runs (and a few too many cravings), I finally started making it at home — and I swear, it tastes just like the real thing. Actually, a little better, because it’s fresh and you can control how sweet or tangy you want it.

This homemade Wendy’s Strawberry Lemonade is one of those drinks that make you feel like you’re sipping summer straight from the glass.

Why This Homemade Wendy’s Strawberry Lemonade Version Wins

There are a hundred lemonade recipes out there, but this one stays in the rotation because it’s:

• Bright and refreshing without being overly sweet
• Made with real fruit, not bottled syrup
• Easy to adjust – more tangy & sweet, fruity, whatever you feel
• Ready in minutes
• Perfect for summer days, picnics, or even a mid-week pick-me-up

It tastes like the Wendy’s version but with a little more personality.

Let’s Talk About the Ingredients

The Lemons

Fresh lemon juice is what gives this drink its clean, sharp flavor. Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t have the same brightness.

Lemons are naturally rich in vitamin C and help keep you hydrated.

The Strawberries

Using fresh strawberries (or thawed frozen ones) gives you that natural sweetness and pretty pink color Wendy’s is known for. They’re also full of antioxidants and fiber.

The Simple Syrup

Making your own syrup at home keeps the lemonade smooth. No gritty sugar at the bottom, no weird aftertaste — just sweetness that blends right in.

The Water

Regular cold water works, but if you love the Wendy’s “slightly fancy” feel, add a splash of sparkling water at the end. It doesn’t overpower anything — it just adds a little lift.

Helpful Tips You Won’t Find

• Roll your lemons on the counter before cutting – they release more juice.
• Mash the strawberries instead of blending them. It leaves tiny pieces that make every sip delicious.
• Taste as you go – this lemonade is easy to adjust.
• Chill it well, it always tastes better after 20–30 minutes in the fridge.
• Use a glass pitcher if serving guests – the color looks gorgeous.

Fun Variations of This Recipe

• Less Sweet: Cut the syrup in half or add it gradually.
• More Tart: Add an extra squeeze of lemon or a thin slice right into the glass.
• Fizzy Style: Add sparkling water just before serving.
• Frozen Strawberry Lemonade: Blend the drink with ice until slushy.
• Berry Twist: Add raspberries or a spoonful of mixed-berry puree.
• Kid-Friendly Fancy: Serve with a strawberry on the rim — they love it.

More Refreshing Drinks You’ll Love

Since you’re clearly a lemonade lover, here are more fruity drinks from the site that pair perfectly with warm weather:

Applebee’s Strawberry Lemonade

Applebee’s White Peach Sangria

Caribbean Way Smoothie

Pineapple Surf Smoothie

Avocolada Tropical Smoothie

Acai Berry Boost Smoothie

Serving Ideas

I love serving this lemonade in a tall chilled glass filled with ice, a lemon wheel, and a strawberry slice right on the rim. It’s simple but looks like something you’d order at a café.

• It goes beautifully with:
• Light summer salads
• Grilled sandwiches
• BBQ nights
• Picnics
• Or honestly, just a lazy afternoon

Final Thoughts

Whenever I make this lemonade, it brings a little calm into the kitchen. The smell of fresh lemons, the color from the strawberries, the little quiet moment while everything chills – it’s simple, but it feels good.

This Wendy’s copycat version is one of those recipes that never disappoints. Make a glass, take it outside, and enjoy a small break that tastes like summer.

Wendy’s Strawberry Lemonade Recipe (Copycat)

Do you love Wendy's strawberry lemonade? Yes? Then you will love this refreshing summer drink! This simple lemonade formula is surprisingly better than those because you can make it at home and don't need to take off from the house!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 2 people

Calories 312 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 lemons
• ⅔ cup water
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ cup strawberries, thin sliced
• Ice cubes to serve it chilled

Instructions

 

• In a pan put 1 cup of water and sugar according to your taste. Put the pot over a medium-high flame to bubble. Once the sugar dissolves completely, switch off the gas flame and take off the pot from the gas, allow it to completely cool down. 
• Get your lemons into a huge glass, saving just the juice. 
• In a bowl add the strawberries and crush the strawberries up using a fork or spoon so they are in little pieces. 
• In a big pitcher, mix the remainder of the water, basic syrup (water and sugar that you made in the oven and cooled), lemon juice, and strawberries. Blend everything nice. 
• And tada your Wendy's style strawberry lemonade is ready. Serve in a glass with ice.

Keyword wendy's strawberry lemonade recipe copycat