Description
This Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing, homemade beverage that blends sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, and zesty lemon juice into a vibrant and flavorful summer drink. Perfect for cooling off on hot days or impressing guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup sugar (or preferred sweetener, to taste)
- 4 cups cold water
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Optional: additional basil leaves and sliced strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender, combine the strawberries, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp, if desired.
- Add cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice with additional basil leaves and sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Use honey, agave, or maple syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
- For a fizzy version, replace half of the water with sparkling water.
- Add vodka or gin for a cocktail version.
- Frozen strawberries can be used; thaw before blending.
- Straining is optional for a smoother texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (about 8 oz)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
