Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade
A refreshing spring drink combining the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the zing of fresh lemon juice, and the subtle herbal note of basil. Easy to make and perfect for warm days or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped (about 300 g)
- 10 to 12 large fresh basil leaves, rinsed
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons, 240 ml)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), adjust to taste
- 4 cups cold water (960 ml)
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Rinse strawberries and basil leaves under cold water. Hull and roughly chop the strawberries. Gently pat basil dry and bruise leaves slightly with fingers.
- Place chopped strawberries and basil leaves into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth with tiny flecks of green from basil (about 1-2 minutes).
- Optional: Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently to extract juice for a smoother lemonade.
- Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and granulated sugar until sugar dissolves completely. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Pour in 4 cups cold water and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors meld.
- Serve over ice, garnished with extra basil leaves or strawberry slices if desired.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for best flavor. Bruise basil leaves gently before blending to release flavor without bitterness. Straining is optional depending on preferred texture. Adjust sugar gradually to taste. Chill lemonade before serving for best flavor. For a sparkling version, replace half the water with sparkling water just before serving. Store in refrigerator up to 3 days and stir gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 fl oz (240 ml)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, spring drink, refreshing beverage, easy lemonade recipe, fresh lemonade, herbal lemonade