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Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade Pitcher Recipe Easy Refreshing Summer Drink

strawberry basil lemonade pitcher recipe - featured image

A bright, fresh, and refreshing strawberry basil lemonade made with simple ingredients, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to prepare in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (300 grams) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh is best, frozen works in a pinch)
  • 1015 large fresh basil leaves, washed and roughly chopped
  • 4 large lemons, juiced (about 1 cup or 240 ml juice)
  • ยฝ to ยพ cup (100150 grams) granulated sugar or 4-6 tablespoons honey, adjust sweetness to taste
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cold filtered water
  • Ice cubes, as needed to chill when serving
  • Optional: 1-2 cups (240-480 ml) sparkling water to add fizz when serving

Instructions

  1. Wash, hull, and slice 2 cups (300 g) of fresh strawberries. Place them in the blender along with 10-15 fresh basil leaves. Blend on high speed for about 30 seconds until smooth and vibrant pink.
  2. Juice 4 large lemons to yield about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Remove seeds but keep some pulp for texture. Set aside.
  3. In a large pitcher, add the lemon juice and ยฝ to ยพ cup (100-150 g) granulated sugar or honey. Stir vigorously until sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes. Use a little warm water if using honey to dissolve faster.
  4. Pour the blended strawberry and basil mixture into the pitcher with the sweetened lemon juice. Stir to combine well. Optionally strain through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother texture without pulp.
  5. Add 4 cups (960 ml) cold filtered water to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or honey, stirring until dissolved.
  6. Add plenty of ice cubes to the pitcher or individual glasses. For a sparkling twist, add 1-2 cups (240-480 ml) sparkling water just before serving. Garnish with extra basil leaves and strawberry slices if desired.
  7. Pour into glasses and enjoy the bright, herbal, fruity flavors. This recipe yields about 6-8 cups (1.5-2 liters) depending on glass size.

Notes

Use fresh strawberries and basil for best flavor. Adjust sweetness to taste. Strain if you prefer pulp-free lemonade. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep fizz fresh. The lemonade can be prepared ahead by blending strawberries and basil and storing in the fridge overnight. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator up to 3 days without ice to avoid dilution.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, easy lemonade recipe, homemade lemonade, strawberry basil drink