Strawberry Basil Lemonade

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Strawberry basil lemonade may strike you as uncommon, but it offers a unique flavor experience. The initial sip is a delightful blend of sweet strawberry and lemon. Sparkling water adds effervescence, followed by the invigorating taste of fresh basil. This drink is simply amazing.

What is Strawberry Basil Lemonade?

Strawberry Basil lemonade is a refreshing and delicious drink that combines the flavors of fresh basil and lemon. It uses fresh strawberries, basil leaves and a simple syrup, and then combining them with freshly squeezed lemon juice. The result is a tangy and herbaceous beverage that is perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on a classic lemonade recipe. Some variations of basil lemonade may also include other ingredients like ginger, honey, or sparkling water to add additional flavor and effervescence.

Two large refreshing glasses of strawberry basil lemonade.

About the ingredients?

A few ingredients that you will need to make strawberry basil lemonade

FRESH LEMON JUICE
SUGAR
WATER
STRAWBERRIES
FRESH BASIL

bowls of strawberries, basil, lemon juice, sugar and water on a tray.

Why Use Real Lemon Juice Not Store Bought.

Fresh lemon juice is generally considered better than store-bought lemon juice because it is typically higher in quality, flavor, and nutritional value. Here are a few reasons why:

Freshness: Fresh lemon juice is made by squeezing the juice out of fresh lemons, which ensures that the juice is at its peak freshness and flavor.
No additives: Many store-bought lemon juices contain additives like preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial flavors. Fresh lemon juice, on the other hand, is pure and free of any additives.
Nutritional value: Fresh lemon juice is a rich source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that supports immune function and helps protect against cellular damage. Store-bought lemon juice may contain lower levels of vitamin C due to processing and storage.
Taste: Fresh lemon juice has a bright, tangy flavor that is hard to replicate with store-bought juice. The taste of store-bought lemon juice can be dull or flat in comparison.

Make a Simple Syrup for Basil Lemonade

Ingredients:

1 part water
1 part granulated sugar

Instructions:

In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of water and granulated sugar.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
Once the syrup has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Note: You can adjust the ratio of water to sugar to create a thicker or thinner syrup, depending on your preference. For example, a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water will create a thicker syrup, while a 1:2 ratio will create a thinner syrup. You can also infuse the syrup with additional flavors by adding herbs, spices, or citrus peels during the heating process.

Sugar and water being poured into a pan, boiled and stirred then added to glass to cool.

Blend Your Strawberries and Basil Together

In the past I have tried boiling the strawberries and steeping the basil, but honestly its a lot of extra work for not as much flavor. I've found blending is much faster and flavorful. I strain the liquid before adding to the rest of the ingredients.

Add Lemon Juice for your Basil Lemonade Recipe

It's best if you let the strawberry basil simple syrup come to room temperature then add your ice cold water.

Adding strawberry mixture, simple syrup, lemon juice and water to pitcher.

Mix Together

If you are serving for a gathering try garnishing this basil lemonade with strawberries, more basil or mint and loads of ice!

Strawberries, lemons and basil in a pitcher of strawberry lemonade.

Expert Tips For This Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

Here are some expert tips for making strawberry lemonade:

choose ripe, sweet strawberries: The flavor of your strawberry lemonade will depend largely on the quality of your strawberries. Look for ripe, sweet strawberries that are bright red and free from bruises or blemishes.
Use fresh-squeezed lemon juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of store-bought. This will give your lemonade a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Make a strawberry puree: To infuse your lemonade with strawberry flavor, make a strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender. You can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or pulp.
Adjust the sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in your lemonade. Start with a smaller amount of sugar and add more as needed.
Chill thoroughly: Strawberry lemonade is best served chilled, so be sure to chill your lemonade thoroughly before serving. You can also add ice cubes or frozen strawberries to keep the lemonade cold.

Large glass of ice with strawberry garnish with a splash of strawberry lemonade being poured in.

FAQ's

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for strawberry lemonade?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh. Simply thaw the strawberries before blending them into a puree.

How long does homemade strawberry basil lemonade last?

Homemade strawberry lemonade can last for up to one week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.

Can I use other types of citrus juice instead of lemon juice?

Yes, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lime or grapefruit for a different twist on the classic recipe.

How do I make a large batch of strawberry lemonade for a party?

To make a large batch of strawberry basil lemonade, simply multiply the recipe by the number of servings you need. You can also make the lemonade in advance and store it in a large pitcher or dispenser until ready to serve.

Can I Make Just Basil Lemonade

Yes! instead of blending the strawberries and basil, take your basil and let it steep int he hot simple syrup. When its come to room temp remove basil leaves and combine the basil simple syrup with water and lemon.

Other lemonade varieties to try!

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