Easy Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing twist on a classic summer drink. Combining sweet strawberries with fragrant basil and zesty lemon juice creates a vibrant beverage perfect for warm days.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons sweetener (sugar, honey, or your choice)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- 4 cups cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener. Blend until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour the blended mixture into a pitcher. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and cold water.
- Step 3: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill.
- Step 4: Before serving, stir the lemonade well. Pour over ice and garnish with extra basil or strawberry slices if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a sparkling version, substitute half of the water with sparkling water for fizz.
- If fresh basil isn’t available, mint leaves make a great alternative.
- Adjust the sweetener to taste, especially if your strawberries are very ripe and sweet.
- To make it ahead, blend the base mixture and store it separately from the water and basil, then combine before serving to keep basil fresh.
Storage
Store the lemonade in a covered pitcher or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, and add ice as needed. For best flavor, consume within 24 hours.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well and can make the lemonade chillier without adding extra ice.
How do I prevent the basil from becoming bitter?
Adding fresh basil after blending and chilling helps keep its flavor bright and prevents bitterness. Avoid blending the basil directly.
PrintEasy Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make Strawberry Basil Lemonade that combines sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and tangy lemon juice for a perfect summer drink. This homemade lemonade is naturally sweetened and chilled for a cool, invigorating beverage anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2–3 tablespoons sweetener (such as honey, sugar, or agave syrup, adjust to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- 10–12 fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Blend the Strawberries: Place the fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and sweetener into a blender. Blend until smooth and well combined to create a vibrant strawberry-lemon base.
- Add Basil and Water: Pour the strawberry mixture into a pitcher. Tear the basil leaves slightly to release their aromas and stir them into the pitcher along with the cold water. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled over ice for a perfectly refreshing drink.
Notes
- Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference using honey, sugar, or any sweetener of choice.
- For a smoother texture, strain the blended mixture to remove seeds before adding basil and water.
- Add ice cubes or sparkling water for a fizzy twist.
- Garnish with extra basil leaves or lemon slices for a decorative touch.
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, refreshing drink, summer beverage, homemade lemonade, strawberry basil drink
