Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 5 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 50 mins
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 100  C
Servings: 4
Best Season: Summer
Description

A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this Strawberry Basil Lemonade combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil for a summer-perfect drink. Easy to prepare, vibrant in color, and naturally sweetened, it's an ideal choice for picnics, garden parties, or a relaxing day in the sun.

Ingredients
    For the Basil Syrup
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves (lightly packed, rinsed)
    • For the Lemonade Base
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
  • 0.75 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4–5 lemons)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 1 cup ice cubes (for serving)
    • Optional Garnishes
  • 4 basil 4–5 leaves (for garnish)
  • 2 fresh 2–3 strawberries, sliced
  • Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
    Make the Basil Syrup
  1. 1
    In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Add fresh basil leaves, remove from heat, and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain and cool completely.
    2. Blend the Strawberries
  2. 2
    Add the fresh strawberries to a blender or food processor and purée until smooth. For a smoother texture, strain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
    3. Mix the Lemonade
  3. 3
    In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry purée, fresh lemon juice, cold water, and cooled basil syrup. Stir thoroughly to mix all the flavors together.
    4. Chill and Serve
  4. 4
    Let the mixture rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve over ice with optional garnishes of basil leaves, strawberry slices, and lemon rounds.
Note

Natural Sweetener Option: You can replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.

Storage: Store in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving.

Basil Substitution: Try mint for a different herbal twist.

Make it Sparkling: Substitute half the water with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy version.

Keywords: summer drink, strawberry lemonade, fresh basil, healthy beverage, refreshing drink
Read it online: https://petitepanini.com/recipe/strawberry-basil-lemonade-recipe/