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Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade

fresh strawberry basil lemonade - featured image

A refreshing and zesty homemade lemonade blending fresh strawberries, basil, and lemon juice for a perfect summer drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1012 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • ¾ cup (180ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 45 medium lemons)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (or honey/agave syrup as substitute)
  • 4 cups (950ml) cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse and hull about 1 ½ cups (225g) of fresh strawberries. Wash 10-12 basil leaves and pat dry. Roughly chop the basil.
  2. In a blender, combine the strawberries and basil leaves. Pulse until smooth puree with visible flecks of basil.
  3. Using a citrus juicer, squeeze ¾ cup (180ml) of fresh lemon juice from 4-5 medium lemons. Optionally zest one lemon before juicing and add zest to the pitcher.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar with ½ cup (120ml) water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature.
  5. In a large pitcher, combine strawberry-basil puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and 3 ½ cups (830ml) cold water. Stir well and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld. Serve over ice cubes and garnish with fresh basil leaves or sliced strawberries.

Notes

Do not over-blend to keep some texture. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Chill pitcher beforehand for longer-lasting cold lemonade. Adjust sweetness last. A pinch of sea salt can brighten flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed first. Substitute sugar with monk fruit or erythritol for low-calorie option.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, homemade lemonade, refreshing drink, zesty lemonade, fresh strawberry drink