1. 1. Prepare the Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, hull them by removing the green tops. If using frozen strawberries, you can use them directly from the freezer. Place the prepared strawberries into a medium saucepan.

2. 2. Add Sweetener and Liquid: Add the granulated sugar and water to the saucepan with the strawberries. The sugar will help draw out the natural juices from the berries, and the water will provide moisture for simmering.

3. 3. Simmer Gently: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will begin to soften and release their juices.

4. 4. Cook Until Soft: Continue to simmer for about 5-8 minutes, or until the strawberries are very soft and easily mashable with the back of a spoon. They should look collapsed and slightly jam-like.

5. 5. Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.

6. 6. Puree Until Smooth: Carefully transfer the cooked strawberry mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth. If you prefer a chunkier puree, you can mash it with a fork or potato masher instead of blending. For an extra smooth puree, you can pass it through a fine-mesh sieve after blending to remove any seeds, though this step is optional.

7. 7. Cool Down: Allow the puree to cool completely before using it in frozen drinks or desserts. Cooling it in the refrigerator will help it thicken slightly and ensure it doesn’t melt your frozen creations too quickly.