Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade
A refreshing homemade summer drink combining sweet strawberries, tart lemons, and fragrant basil for a perfect balance of flavors. Easy to make and perfect for hot days or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 15 to 20 fresh basil leaves (about 1/2 cup loosely packed)
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 4 to 5 lemons)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups cold water
- Ice cubes as needed
- Optional: club soda or sparkling water for fizz
- Optional: lemon slices and extra basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse, hull, and halve the strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor.
- Blend strawberries until smooth but slightly textured, about 30 seconds. For a seed-free drink, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.
- Place basil leaves in a large pitcher and gently muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon about 10 to 15 times to release oils without tearing leaves.
- Add lemon juice and sugar to the pitcher. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar.
- Mix in the strawberry puree, then add cold water. Stir well to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
- Serve over ice cubes, garnished with lemon slices and fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Optional: For a sparkling version, replace 2 cups of water with chilled club soda or sparkling water just before serving.
Notes
Do not over-muddle basil to avoid bitterness. Adjust sugar gradually after chilling as flavors intensify. Use ripe strawberries for best sweetness and color. Strain for a smoother texture if preferred. For sparkling lemonade, add club soda just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Calories: 90110
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, homemade lemonade, refreshing beverage, easy lemonade recipe, fresh strawberry drink