Strawberry basil lemonade is one of those drinks that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. The first time I tried it, I was surprised by how well the sweet, juicy strawberries paired with the aromatic basil and tangy lemon juice. It’s a simple combination, but the flavors meld beautifully to create a drink that’s bright, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

Making this lemonade at home is straightforward and rewarding. The process of infusing the basil into a simple syrup adds a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire drink without overpowering the fruitiness. It’s a great way to use fresh herbs from the garden or the market, and it brings a lovely depth to the classic lemonade.

I often find myself reaching for this recipe during warmer months, especially when I want something that feels a little special but doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It’s perfect for sipping on the porch, serving at a picnic, or offering guests something a bit different at a casual gathering. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the sweetness or tartness to suit your taste, making it a versatile favorite.

Overall, this strawberry basil lemonade is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients in a refreshing beverage that’s both hydrating and delicious. It’s a simple pleasure that brightens up any day.

Quick Facts

Recipe Highlights

Whenever spring rolls around, I find myself craving something fresh and a little different from the usual lemonade. This strawberry basil lemonade hits that spot perfectly. It’s bright and tangy with a subtle herbal twist that makes it feel special without being complicated. I often make it for weekend brunches or casual get-togethers because it’s both refreshing and a conversation starter. The blend of sweet strawberries and fragrant basil leaves gives it a unique flavor that’s surprisingly easy to pull off at home.

• Combines fresh fruit and herbs for a unique, natural flavor
• Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients
• Customizable sweetness and tartness to suit personal preference
• Hydrating and refreshing, ideal for warm weather
• Can be made ahead and stored for convenience
• Suitable for all ages and dietary preferences

What You’ll Need

To make this strawberry basil lemonade, you’ll need a handful of fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups cold water
• 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
• Ice cubes, as needed
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Extra basil sprigs, for garnish
• Optional: sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version

How to Make It

Here’s a straightforward way to bring this refreshing drink together, step by step:

1. Start by making a simple basil-infused syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pan from heat and add the basil leaves. Let them steep for about 15 minutes to infuse their flavor, then strain out the leaves.
3. In a blender, combine the sliced strawberries and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
4. Strain the strawberry-lemon mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove seeds and pulp.
5. Add the basil syrup to the pitcher, then pour in 4 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more sugar or lemon juice if needed.
7. Chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
8. Serve over ice, garnished with lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs. If you prefer a fizzy drink, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water just before serving.

Helpful Tips

To get the best results with this recipe, here are a few helpful pointers:

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the most flavorful lemonade.
• If you don’t have fresh basil, you can try mint for a different herbal note.
• Make the basil syrup ahead of time and keep it refrigerated for up to a week.
• Adjust the water quantity depending on how concentrated you want the lemonade.
• For a smoother texture, strain the blended strawberry mixture twice.
• Serve immediately after adding sparkling water to keep the fizz.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to switch things up or accommodate what you have on hand, here are some ingredient swaps that work well:

• Replace strawberries with raspberries or watermelon for a different fruity twist.
• Swap basil for fresh mint or thyme for a new herbal flavor.
• Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for natural sweetness.
• Try lime juice instead of lemon juice for a slightly different citrus note.
• Use coconut sugar or agave syrup as alternative sweeteners.
• For a sugar-free version, use a sugar substitute like stevia, adjusting to taste.

Storage Tips

To keep your strawberry basil lemonade fresh and tasty, consider these storage tips:

• Store the lemonade in a sealed pitcher or jar in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
• Keep ice separate until serving to avoid dilution.
• If you’ve added sparkling water, it’s best to serve immediately as it loses carbonation quickly.
• You can freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays to use later in smoothies or as flavored ice cubes.

What to Serve With It

This lemonade pairs wonderfully with a variety of light and fresh dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your drink:

• Grilled chicken or fish with a citrus marinade
• Fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Light cheese and charcuterie board
• Homemade bruschetta with tomatoes and basil

Common Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying strawberry basil lemonade:

Nutritional Info