If you are on the lookout for a refreshing summer drink that delights the senses with a burst of natural sweetness and a hint of herbal freshness, this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly balances the juicy tang of ripe strawberries, the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed lemons, and the aromatic, slightly peppery notes of basil leaves. Each sip offers a cooling escape, making it an instant favorite for gatherings or a peaceful afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet vibrant ingredients come together to create a lemonade that’s not only refreshing but also beautifully colorful and delightfully aromatic. Every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and sliced): Choose fragrant, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and a vivid pink hue.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup): They add a fresh, herbal aroma that complements the strawberries and lemon perfectly.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 cup): About 4 to 6 lemons; this provides the signature tartness essential to lemonade’s charm.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the acidity and rounds out the flavors, adjustable to your sweetness preference.
- Cold water (4 cups): Dilutes the concentrate to a crisp, refreshing drinkable consistency.
- Ice: Ensures each glass is chill and invigorating.
- Extra strawberries and basil for garnish (optional): Adds an inviting visual appeal and an extra hint of freshness when serving.
How to Make Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Fresh Ingredients
Start by adding the hulled and sliced strawberries, fresh basil leaves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and granulated sugar into your blender. Blend everything until the mixture turns smooth and incorporates all those lovely flavors.
Step 2: Strain for Smoothness
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove any seeds and pulp if you prefer a smoother lemonade texture. This step ensures your drink feels velvety on the palate.
Step 3: Add Cold Water and Adjust
Stir in the cold water to balance the concentrate. Take a moment to taste your lemonade, and if you like it sweeter or more tart, add a little more sugar or lemon juice to suit your preference.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Pop the lemonade into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors mellow and mingle beautifully, making every glass incredibly thirst-quenching.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
When ready, pour the chilled Strawberry Basil Lemonade into glasses filled with ice to keep it cold and refreshing.
How to Serve Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes this drink quite like a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of basil tucked into the glass. These simple touches add vibrant color and a burst of aroma that whets the appetite.
Side Dishes
This refreshing lemonade pairs wonderfully with light summer fare such as grilled chicken salads, fresh fruit platters, or even savory finger sandwiches. The citrusy and herbal notes enhance the flavors of fresh produce and light proteins beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve your Strawberry Basil Lemonade in mason jars with colorful striped straws, or create a sparkling twist by adding club soda just before pouring. You can even freeze leftovers into popsicle molds for a fun, cooling treat on hot days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Strawberry Basil Lemonade refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again, as some separation might occur.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this lemonade in a new way, pour leftovers into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze. These make for adorable, flavorful ice cubes to chill water or tea or handy frozen treats for summer.
Reheating
This lemonade is best served cold, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you’d like a warm twist, consider infusing hot tea with basil and strawberries separately instead.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can work well in the Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe, especially if fresh ones aren’t available. Just thaw them slightly before blending to get the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this lemonade less sweet?
You can simply reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup in smaller quantities. Adjust gradually to keep the refreshing tartness balanced.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe is completely vegan, as it uses only plant-based ingredients and no animal products.
Can I make a sparkling Strawberry Basil Lemonade?
Definitely! Replace half of the cold water with club soda right before serving to add delightful bubbles that elevate the refreshing quality of the drink.
What’s the best way to pick basil for this recipe?
Choose fresh, vibrant green basil leaves with no yellowing or bruising. Sweet basil varieties work best to complement the strawberries and citrus flavors.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough trying this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe—it’s a gorgeous, delicious way to celebrate the flavors of summer in a glass. Whether you’re relaxing solo or hosting friends, this lemonade brings a wonderfully fresh twist to a classic, and I’m pretty sure it’s going to become a staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade combines the sweet taste of fresh strawberries with the aromatic freshness of basil and the tangy zing of lemon juice. Perfect for hot summer days, this homemade, blended beverage is easy to make and can be served over ice for a cool, revitalizing drink.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice
- Extra strawberries and basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Blend ingredients: In a blender, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Strain mixture: Strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove pulp and seeds, if a smoother texture is desired.
- Mix with water: Stir in the cold water thoroughly to dilute the concentrated lemon and strawberry flavors.
- Adjust taste: Taste the lemonade and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed by adding more sugar or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve it well chilled.
- Serve: Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves for an attractive, flavorful presentation.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace half the cold water with club soda just before serving.
- You can make this lemonade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Freeze leftover lemonade in popsicle molds for a fun and refreshing summer treat.
