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.
About the ingredients?
A few ingredients that you will need to make strawberry basil lemonade
- FRESH LEMON JUICE
- SUGAR
- WATER
- STRAWBERRIES
- FRESH BASIL
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.
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.
Mix Together
If you are serving for a gathering try garnishing this basil lemonade with strawberries, more basil or mint and loads of ice!
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.
FAQ's
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries instead of fresh. Simply thaw the strawberries before blending them into a puree.
Homemade strawberry lemonade can last for up to one week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container.
Yes, you can experiment with other citrus juices like lime or grapefruit for a different twist on the classic recipe.
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.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
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!
Jovie says
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.
Liza says
I'm wondering if I can freeze this?
Kadee says
Yes, you can freeze this. I would thaw in the fridge.
Kelsey says
How long does this stay good? 2-3 days in the fridge? Or is it only good the day you mix it?
Desarae says
7-10 days in the fridge.
Mare says
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
Mare says
Too*
Karen says
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.
Desarae says
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!
E says
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.
Jessica says
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.
Desarae says
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Ill fix that.
Erin V says
Never thought to put these two together but man oh man it looks beautiful!
Michelle Gunnell says
This sounds amazing and I can't wait to try it - I'm sure it will be a favorite this summer!
Stephanie says
Tried this the other day and it was absolutely delicious! Thanks for the recipe!
Desarae says
YAY! oh that makes me so happy! Thanks for coming back and telling me!!