Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

Whipping up this refreshing strawberry basil lemonade feels like an instant trip to a sun-drenched picnic, where the subtle sweetness of strawberries harmonizes beautifully with the zing of lemon and the aromatic hint of basil. I love how chilling it allows the flavors to meld into each other, turning a simple drink into a blissful summertime escape—I just can’t resist an extra strawberry slice and basil leaf as garnish!

My Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a delightful blend of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil. Whatever the weather, your freshly squeezed lemon juice always delivers a zesty punch.

Then you have the refreshing touch of granulated sugar (not too much, of course) that makes everything come together beautifully. Serve it over ice, and you’ve got a revitalizing treat.

I wouldn’t call it a classic lemonade—largely because strawberries and basil aren’t anywhere near classic lemonade ingredients. But it is a delicious drink that happens to feature lemon juice as a base.

Therefore, it gets to be named lemonade.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe Ingredients

• Fresh Strawberries: Infuse natural sweetness, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Adds tanginess, high in vitamin C, refreshing.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances acidity, provides sweetness, easily dissolves.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Herbal aroma, contains vitamins A, C, and K, aids digestion.
• Ice Cubes: Chills drink, maintains refreshment, enhances cold enjoyment.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-6 lemons)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 4 cups cold water
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Strawberry slices, for garnish (optional)
• Basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

1. Mix the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar in a blender; blend until smooth.

2. Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to separate the seeds and pulp from the puree.

3. Add the lemon juice you just squeezed into the pitcher.

4. Gently tear the basil leaves to release their fragrance and add them to the pitcher.

5. Add the cold water and mix the solution until well combined.

6. Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour, keeping it covered so that the flavors can meld together.

7. Take the lemonade out of the fridge and stir it very well. Sample it. If it isn’t as sweet as you like, sweeten it now.

8. Ice cubes should be used to fill the glasses.

9. Strawberry basil lemonade can be poured over glasses filled with ice.

10. If desired, additional strawberry slices and basil leaves may be used to garnish, and the dish may then be served immediately.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Blender
2. Fine mesh sieve
3. Pitcher
4. Citrus juicer or reamer
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Measuring cups
8. Spoon or spatula (for stirring)
9. Refrigeration (fridge)
10. Glasses for serving

FAQ

• Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?You can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw them before blending.
• How can I make this lemonade less sweet?Change the quantity of sugar to suit your taste. Begin with 1/4 cup and add more if necessary.
• Is there a substitute for granulated sugar?Honey or agave syrup can be used, but begin with 1/4 cup and modify according to your preference.
• Can I make this lemonade in advance?Certainly! You can make it one day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just remember to put in the ice right before you serve it.
• What can I use instead of fresh basil?A wonderful alternative for a refreshing twist is mint.
• How long will this lemonade keep in the refrigerator?You can keep it for as long as 3 days, but it is really freshest, brightest, and best enjoyed the day you make it.
• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?To achieve the best taste, use fresh lemon juice; however, in an emergency, you can resort to bottled.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For ripe strawberries: Substitute with frozen strawberries or raspberry purée.
For bottled lemon juice, or for lime juice, which offers a different flavor: Substitute for fresh lemon juice in any recipe.
For sugar that has been granulated: Substitute with honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
Substitute fresh basil leaves with:

Mint leaves.

Or, for a twist, use a sprinkle of dried basil.

Pro Tips

1. To enhance the basil flavor, bruise the basil leaves slightly by gently crushing them with your fingers before adding them to the pitcher. This helps release more of their aromatic oils.

2. For a deeper strawberry flavor, consider macerating the sliced strawberries with sugar for about 30 minutes before blending. This process draws out the juices and can intensify the strawberry taste.

3. If you prefer a smoother drink, blend the basil with the strawberry puree instead of just tearing and adding the leaves. This can incorporate the basil flavor more evenly throughout the lemonade.

4. For a fizzy twist, substitute 1 cup of the cold water with chilled sparkling water or club soda just before serving.

5. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by preparing a simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water, and add it gradually to the lemonade after refrigerating, instead of adding granulated sugar directly. This ensures that the sugar is fully dissolved.