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    Home » Drinks

    Published: Apr 28, 2023 · Modified: May 25, 2023 by Desarae

    Strawberry Basil Lemonade

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    hand squeezing a lemon over a juicer

    Make a Simple Syrup for Basil Lemonade

    Ingredients:

    • 1 part water
    • 1 part granulated sugar

    Instructions:

    1. In a small saucepan, combine equal parts of water and granulated sugar.
    2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.
    3. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the pan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool.
    4. 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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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!

    • Sparkling lavender lemonade in glasses on a small board, surrounded by lemons and fresh lavender.
      Sparkling Lavender Lemonade
    • An overhead shot of peach lemonade. The glasses are rimmed with sugar and garnished with peach slices and mint.
      Fresh Peach Lemonade Recipe
    • Grilled Lemonade
    • Three glasses of watermelon mint lemonade on the table garnished with fresh mint.
      Watermelon Mint Lemonade

    Don't be shy!

    If you tried this recipe or any other recipe on the blog then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave us a comment below. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest to see what else we’re getting up to.

    Large Glass of strawberry basil lemonade with glass straw.

    Strawberry Basil Lemonade

    Fresh, sweet, and minty strawberry basil lemonade!
    5 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 223kcal
    Author: Kadee & Desarae

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups strawberries de stemmed and sliced in half
    • ¼ cup basil chopped
    • 1.5 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
    • 1.5 cup sugar
    • 2 cups water
    • 5-6 cups cold sparkling water can use still

    Instructions

    • In a sauce pan combine 2 cups water, sugar. Stir to dissolve sugar.
    • Over medium heat bring boil and remove when sugar is completely dissolved. Pour into an air tight container and let cool.
    • In blender add strawberries and basil. Blend until completely smooth then strain with a fine mesh strainer.
    • In a large pitcher add simple syrup, water, lemon juice and strawberry basil. Stir to combine. Serve over ice.
    • add a fun straws, lemons, basil, and strawberries for garnish!

    Video

    [adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="tFJu5T8I" upload-date="2023-04-28T04:26:38.000Z" name="Strawberry Basil Lemonade" description="Quench your thirst with the perfect combination of sweet and tangy in this refreshing strawberry basil lemonade recipe. Made with fresh strawberries, zesty lemons, and fragrant basil, this drink is a delicious twist on a classic lemonade. Get ready to impress your taste buds with this simple and easy-to-make drink that's perfect for hot summer days!" player-type="default" override-embed="default"]

    Notes

    You can add less or more water to intensify or lesson the flavors/sweetness of the strawberry basil lemonade. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 47mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 52mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @OhSoDelicioso or tag #ohsodelicioso!

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      Peach Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jovie says

      May 03, 2023 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      ok, This takes lemonade to a whole new level. It is AMAZING. I love the freshness the basil adds to the strawberry lemonade. Made this for a party and it was devoured so fast. tripling the recipe next time.

      Reply
    2. Liza says

      December 02, 2022 at 3:09 pm

      I'm wondering if I can freeze this?

      Reply
      • Kadee says

        December 08, 2022 at 9:30 pm

        Yes, you can freeze this. I would thaw in the fridge.

        Reply
    3. Kelsey says

      May 19, 2022 at 8:41 am

      How long does this stay good? 2-3 days in the fridge? Or is it only good the day you mix it?

      Reply
      • Desarae says

        May 25, 2022 at 3:34 pm

        7-10 days in the fridge.

        Reply
    4. Mare says

      April 10, 2022 at 6:49 pm

      5 stars
      Ooh this was soo good and refreshing! You can tweak it if it’s alittle to sweet for you with more water or less sugar but def 10/10

      Reply
      • Mare says

        April 10, 2022 at 6:49 pm

        5 stars
        Too*

        Reply
    5. Karen says

      April 08, 2022 at 6:58 am

      Hi - when do you add the lemon juice? The directions say with the water, but the info above with the photos say when creating the syrup.

      Reply
      • Desarae says

        April 18, 2022 at 9:45 pm

        Sorry about that! You honestly can add it either time. I don't really notice a difference between flavors. I've changed the recipe to reflect the photos however. Thank you!

        Reply
    6. E says

      August 11, 2021 at 11:31 am

      Hey, just a heads up that the recipe doesn't mention the lemon juice at all (I realized this after I was done boiling it and had to do that step again), and the blog post and recipe have different boiling times listed.

      Reply
    7. Jessica says

      June 20, 2021 at 12:40 pm

      5 stars
      Working on this now, and I anticipate its deliciousness…but the directions in the blog differ from those in the recipe below. Blog says to add lemon juice before boil, recipe says after.

      Reply
      • Desarae says

        June 22, 2021 at 9:54 pm

        Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Ill fix that.

        Reply
    8. Erin V says

      October 12, 2018 at 8:56 pm

      5 stars
      Never thought to put these two together but man oh man it looks beautiful!

      Reply
    9. Michelle Gunnell says

      April 09, 2016 at 10:49 am

      This sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it - I'm sure it will be a favorite this summer!

      Reply
    10. Stephanie says

      April 08, 2016 at 10:35 am

      Tried this the other day and it was absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Desarae says

        April 08, 2016 at 1:23 pm

        YAY! oh that makes me so happy! Thanks for coming back and telling me!!

        Reply
    5 from 11 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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