Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
Discover how to make a refreshing strawberry basil lemonade with fresh ingredients. This easy recipe blends sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil for a perfect summer beverage.
Strawberry basil lemonade is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer in a glass. The sweetness of ripe strawberries paired with the aromatic freshness of basil creates a unique and refreshing beverage that’s both satisfying and thirst-quenching. It’s a wonderful alternative to traditional lemonade, offering a subtle herbal twist that elevates the drink.
Making this lemonade is straightforward and rewarding. The process highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients without overwhelming them, resulting in a balanced and vibrant drink. Whether served at a backyard barbecue or a casual afternoon gathering, it’s sure to please a variety of palates.
This recipe also encourages experimentation. Adjusting the sweetness or swapping basil for other herbs can personalize the flavor to your liking. It’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed year-round, especially when strawberries are in season, bringing a touch of freshness and brightness to any occasion.
Quick Facts
| Servings | This recipe makes enough lemonade to serve 6 to 8 people, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends during warm days. |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | Preparation takes about 15 minutes, including washing, blending, and straining the ingredients. |
| Cook Time | No cooking is needed for this recipe, so the cook time is zero minutes. |
| Total Time | From start to finish, you can have this refreshing lemonade ready in approximately 15 minutes. |
Recipe Highlights
This strawberry basil lemonade is a refreshing twist on a classic summer drink. It’s perfect for warm afternoons when you want something light but flavorful. The combination of sweet strawberries and fragrant basil adds a unique depth that’s both bright and soothing. I often make this for picnics or casual get-togethers because it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Made with fresh, whole ingredients for a clean taste
- Naturally hydrating and perfect for warm weather
- Provides antioxidants from strawberries and basil
- Simple to prepare with no cooking required
- Easily customizable to suit personal sweetness preferences
- Ideal for serving at gatherings or as a daily refreshment
What You’ll Need
Gather these fresh ingredients to create a vibrant and flavorful strawberry basil lemonade that’s naturally sweet and wonderfully aromatic.
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, as needed
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup for extra sweetness
- Optional: sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version
How to Make It
Follow these straightforward steps to blend and combine your ingredients for a perfectly balanced strawberry basil lemonade.
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove seeds and basil bits, pressing gently to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Add the cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon juice if needed.
- Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice cubes and garnish with lemon slices and basil sprigs.
- For a sparkling twist, replace half or all of the cold water with sparkling water just before serving.
Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful pointers to ensure your strawberry basil lemonade turns out just right every time.
- Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best natural flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother drink, blend longer or strain twice.
- Adjust sugar gradually; some strawberries are sweeter than others.
- Chill the lemonade well before serving to enhance its refreshing quality.
- Add basil gradually to avoid overpowering the lemon and strawberry flavors.
Ingredient Swaps
If you need to swap out ingredients, these alternatives work well without compromising flavor.
- Replace basil with fresh mint for a different herbal note.
- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly tangier taste.
- Swap granulated sugar with maple syrup or honey for a richer sweetness.
- Try frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available, just thaw before blending.
- Use sparkling water for a bubbly variation.
Storage Tips
To keep your strawberry basil lemonade fresh and tasty, follow these storage tips.
- Store in a sealed pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Stir well before serving as ingredients may settle.
- Avoid freezing the lemonade, as texture and flavor can be affected.
- If using sparkling water, add it just before serving to maintain fizz.
What to Serve With It
Complement your strawberry basil lemonade with these light and fresh dishes for a delightful meal or snack.
- Grilled chicken salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Caprese skewers with mozzarella, tomato, and basil
- Light cucumber and feta sandwiches
- Fresh fruit salad with a hint of mint
Nutritional Info
