Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a delightful twist on classic lemonade, featuring the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat on a hot day!
Equipment
- 1 Blender
- 1 Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- 1 Pitcher
- 1 Spoon for stirring
- 1 set Measuring cups
- 1 set Measuring spoons
- 4 Serving glasses
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced Fresh strawberries work best, but you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice About 4-5 lemons.
- ½ cup granulated sugar Adjust to taste.
- 4 cups cold water
- as needed cups ice cubes
- optional lemon slices and basil sprigs for garnish Optional.
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the strawberry-basil mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing gently to extract the juice. Discard the solids.
- Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher.
- Stir in the granulated sugar until dissolved. If the mixture is too tart, adjust sweetness by adding more sugar to taste.
- Pour in the cold water and stir until well mixed.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and basil sprigs if desired.
Notes
For a sparkling version, substitute some of the cold water with sparkling water.
Fresh strawberries work best, but you can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.
This lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, although it's best enjoyed fresh.