Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

On a hot summer day, there's nothing more refreshing than a glass of homemade lemonade. This Strawberry Basil Lemonade puts a new twist on the classic beverage. With the added sweet taste of strawberries and the subtle touch of basil, it's a unique combination that's bound to impress your guest.

Photos of Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common in many households. However, fresh basil leaves might not be readily available in everyone's home. When you go to the supermarket, you can find them in the fresh herbs section. They add a refreshing and unique taste to this lemonade.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Ingredients

Strawberries: These add a sweet and tangy flavor to the lemonade. They also give the drink a vibrant red color.

Sugar: This is used to sweeten the lemonade. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.

Lemon: Gives the lemonade its classic sour taste. It's also rich in vitamin C.

Water: Needed to dilute the lemon and strawberry flavors and to make the lemonade.

Basil leaves: These add a subtle and refreshing taste to the lemonade. They also make for a nice garnish.

One reader, Humfrid Lo says:

This strawberry basil lemonade recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and refreshing basil creates a burst of flavor that's simply irresistible. It's the perfect summer drink that's both refreshing and unique. I highly recommend trying it out!

Humfrid Lo

Techniques Required for Making Strawberry Basil Lemonade

How to prepare strawberry puree: Blend the strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth.

How to make simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Allow it to cool before using.

How to zest a lemon: Use a zester or a fine grater to remove the outer yellow skin of the lemon, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith.

How to juice a lemon: Roll the lemon on a countertop to release the juices, then cut it in half and use a citrus juicer or reamer to extract the juice.

How to garnish with basil: Stack the basil leaves, roll them up, and slice thinly to create basil ribbons for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.

How To Make Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Hot day? Make yourself a cold drink with our Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe! This refreshing drink has fruity, citrusy flavors with hints of basil.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 5 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¾cupstrawberrypureed
4tbspsugar
1lemonuse ½ for juice and other ½ for zest
2cupswater
4freshbasil leaves

Instructions

Boil water. Once boiling, add sugar and wait for it to dissolve. Once dissolved, turn off the stove and wait for the water to turn warm.
Add lemon juice and zest into and stir gently. Add strawberry puree and portion into glasses.
Garnish with ice and basil. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 82.42kcal
Fat: 0.18g
Saturated Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.08g
Carbohydrates: 21.40g
Fiber: 1.31g
Sugar: 18.98g
Protein: 0.49g
Sodium: 7.28mg
Calcium: 17.19mg
Potassium: 87.12mg
Iron: 0.30mg
Vitamin A: 2.33µg
Vitamin C: 32.71mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting Strawberry Basil Lemonade

When making the strawberry puree for this lemonade, ensure to strain it to remove any seeds. This will give your lemonade a smoother texture. Additionally, when adding the basil leaves, try slapping them between your hands once or twice to release their aromatic oils before adding them to the drink. This will enhance the flavor profile of your lemonade.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Refreshing Drink

Prep ahead: Prepare the strawberry puree and simple syrup in advance and store them in the refrigerator. This will save time when making the lemonade.

Use a blender: Instead of mashing the strawberries by hand, use a blender to quickly puree them for the lemonade.

Double the batch: Make a larger quantity of the strawberry basil lemonade and store it in the fridge for a refreshing drink throughout the week.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Multi-task: While the simple syrup is cooling, prepare the other ingredients to make the most of your time in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

strawberry - Substitute with raspberry: Raspberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to strawberries, and they will work well in the lemonade.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Limes have a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to lemons, and they will provide a refreshing twist to the lemonade.
basil - Substitute with mint: Mint will add a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the lemonade, similar to basil but with a slightly different profile.

How to Beautifully Present Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Elevate the glassware: Present the strawberry basil lemonade in elegant, crystal-clear glassware to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the drink.
Garnish with precision: Adorn the rim of the glass with a delicate sugar rim and a perfectly sliced strawberry for a visually stunning presentation.
Incorporate a touch of greenery: Place a small, carefully selected basil leaf on top of the drink to add a pop of contrasting color and a hint of freshness.
Consider the backdrop: Set the glasses on a sleek, white serving tray to create a clean and sophisticated backdrop for the vibrant drink.
Play with lighting: Utilize soft, natural lighting to enhance the drink's appearance and highlight its enticing hues.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the glasses in a symmetrical pattern to create a visually appealing display that exudes precision and attention to detail.
Emphasize the pour: Pour the strawberry basil lemonade slowly and gracefully into the glass, allowing the layers to form and creating an enticing visual effect.
Add a personal touch: Consider incorporating custom-designed drink stirrers or personalized garnishes to add a unique and memorable element to the presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used to puree the strawberries for the recipe, making the process quick and efficient.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the ingredients such as sugar, lemon juice, and water to create the base for the strawberry basil lemonade.
Citrus juicer: A citrus juicer is useful for extracting the juice from the lemon, ensuring that the lemonade has a fresh and tangy flavor.
Saucepan: A saucepan is needed to dissolve the sugar in the water and create a simple syrup for the lemonade.
Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for gently stirring the ingredients together, ensuring that the flavors are well combined without crushing the basil leaves.

How To Store and Freeze Strawberry Basil Lemonade

This refreshing strawberry basil lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container or pitcher. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delicious.
If you have any leftover lemonade, you can freeze it in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a cool and refreshing treat on hot summer days. Simply pour the lemonade into the molds, freeze until solid, and enjoy as needed.
When freezing the lemonade, it's best to remove the basil leaves beforehand as they may become soggy and lose their flavor when thawed. You can always add fresh basil leaves to the lemonade once it's thawed for a burst of flavor.
If you prefer to make a large batch of strawberry basil lemonade for future use, you can freeze the lemonade in larger containers or freezer-safe bags. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container to allow for expansion during freezing.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen lemonade, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Give it a good stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate slightly during the freezing and thawing process.

Interesting Trivia About Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Strawberry basil lemonade is a refreshing and hydrating drink that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tangy flavor of lemon. The addition of basil adds a subtle, aromatic twist to the classic lemonade. This drink is not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants from the strawberries and lemon. It's a perfect beverage for a hot summer day and can be easily customized by adjusting the sweetness and tartness to suit individual preferences.

Is Making Strawberry Basil Lemonade at Home Cost-Effective?

This strawberry basil lemonade recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Strawberries and basil are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The overall verdict for this recipe is 9/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7, making it a budget-friendly and refreshing beverage option.

Is This Refreshing Summer Drink Healthy or Unhealthy?

The strawberry basil lemonade recipe is a refreshing and flavorful beverage, but it may not be the healthiest choice due to its high sugar content. The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of sugar, which is equivalent to about 50 grams of added sugar. Consuming excessive amounts of added sugar can lead to various health issues, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

On the positive side, the recipe includes fresh strawberries and lemon juice, which are both rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients can help boost the immune system and protect the body from harmful free radicals. The basil leaves also add a unique flavor and aroma to the lemonade, as well as some potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and stress.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe. Start by cutting the sugar in half and adjust to taste. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia.
Use more fresh strawberries to increase the fruit content and natural sweetness of the lemonade. This will also provide more fiber and nutrients.
Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and reduce the need for extra sugar.
Experiment with other herbs and spices, such as mint or ginger, to add more depth and potential health benefits to the lemonade.
Serve the lemonade over plenty of ice to help dilute the sugar content and keep the drink refreshing.

Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Summer Beverage

This strawberry basil lemonade recipe is a delightful and refreshing twist on a classic lemonade. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is perfect for a hot summer day. The addition of basil adds a unique and sophisticated touch, elevating the overall taste experience. The recipe's simple instructions make it accessible for all levels of home cooks. It's a wonderful way to showcase seasonal produce and impress your guests with a vibrant and flavorful beverage. Cheers to a delightful and satisfying drink!

Enhance Your Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Try serving with some grilled vegetable skewers for a healthy and colorful side dish.

Caprese Salad: A refreshing caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil would complement this lemonade perfectly.

Lemon Sorbet: For a light and citrusy dessert, consider serving a scoop of lemon sorbet alongside this strawberry basil lemonade.

Delicious Alternatives to Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a flavorful herb and garlic mixture before grilling to perfection.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: Coat the salmon in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze before baking until tender and flaky.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Layer ripe mango chunks with creamy coconut chia pudding for a refreshing and healthy dessert.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer ripe tomatoes and fresh basil in a creamy broth for a comforting and flavorful soup option.

Why trust this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh strawberries and basil to create a refreshing and flavorful lemonade. The combination of sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil creates a unique and delightful drink. The use of fresh ingredients ensures a natural and vibrant flavor profile, while the addition of sugar balances the tartness of the lemon and enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. The careful preparation and combination of these ingredients result in a delicious and trustworthy strawberry basil lemonade that is perfect for any occasion.

If you enjoyed this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe, be sure to Recipe Sharing to discuss your experience making it and any tweaks or variations you'd recommend.

FAQ:

How can I make this lemonade sweeter if I prefer a sweeter taste?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar to the lemonade. Start by adding an additional tablespoon of sugar and then adjust to your taste preference.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them before using and adjust the sugar accordingly based on their sweetness.

How long can I store the strawberry basil lemonade?

The lemonade can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Make sure to keep it covered to maintain its freshness.

Can I make this lemonade ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lemonade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the basil leaves and ice right before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Is it possible to make this lemonade without sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or agave syrup, to make a healthier version of the lemonade. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.