Summertime Bliss: Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
🍓☀️ When life hands you strawberries, basil, and lemons, what do you make? The answer is simple: a refreshing and delightful Strawberry Basil Lemonade! This invigorating drink combines the sweet and tangy notes of ripe strawberries and zesty lemons with the aromatic freshness of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or any time you need a burst of flavor, this homemade lemonade will become your new favorite go-to beverage. Let's dive into the recipe and capture the essence of summer in a glass!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 4-6 fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4-5 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons honey or to taste
- 2 cups cold water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh basil leaves and strawberry slices for garnish
- Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries and Basil: Start by thoroughly rinsing the strawberries and basil leaves under cold water. Hull the strawberries (remove the green tops) and cut them in half. Set aside a few strawberries and basil leaves for garnish.
- Blend the Strawberry-Basil Base: In a blender, combine the halved strawberries, basil leaves, and honey. The honey will enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balance the tartness of the lemons. Blend until you have a smooth, vibrant, and fragrant puree.
- Mix in Lemon Juice: Squeeze the lemons to get fresh lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove any seeds and add it to the strawberry-basil puree. Stir well to combine.
- Dilute with Cold Water: In a pitcher, combine the strawberry-basil-lemon mixture with 2 cups of cold water. You can adjust the water quantity to achieve your preferred level of tartness and sweetness.
- Chill and Serve: Fill your glasses with ice cubes and pour the Strawberry Basil Lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh basil leaf, a strawberry slice, and, if you like, a lemon slice.
- Enjoy the Taste of Summer: Grab a straw or a long spoon, give your lemonade a gentle stir to combine the flavors, and savor the refreshing taste of summer in every sip.
Tips
- For a sparkling twist, use sparkling water instead of plain water to make a fizzy Strawberry Basil Lemonade.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey if you prefer a sweeter lemonade.
- If you like it extra chilled, you can refrigerate the lemonade for an hour before serving