Basil Lemonade Recipe

Basil lemonade is the perfect blend of zesty lemons and aromatic basil leaves. With only four ingredients, this easy recipe offers a refreshing drink that is rooted in simplicity and quenches your thirst on even the warmest of Summer days. 

The key to this lemonade is its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides a tart flavor that is balanced by an easy-to-make simple syrup. Fresh basil is the star of the show, with a slightly sweet and punchy herb flavor that wonderfully complements the lemon. While you might not associate fresh herbs and sweet drinks, I promise basil and lemonade make a fantastic duo. 

Lemonade is a staple drink in the summer, so why not get creative? My Simple and Perfect lemonade is the everyday go-to. When it’s peak blueberry season, my blueberry lemonade is the perfect way to use those extra juicy berries. Got leftover rhubarb from making a galette? My rhubarb lemonade will be the perfect companion! 

Why You’ll Love It

Unique Twist: Adding basil to your lemonade is an effortless way to change things up. Whether you're simply enjoying a glass by itself or pairing it with a meal, the basil infusion adds a twist that pairs well with a variety of entrees. 

Impressive Party Drink: Make fresh homemade basil lemonade to impress your guests at gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, this amazing drink will have everyone talking. Garnish the cups with lemons and extra basil for added appeal, creating a beautiful visual presentation that complements the drink's vibrant and inviting flavors. Simple and Easy: This foolproof recipe requires only simple ingredients and comes together quickly. The simple syrup warms up in minutes, infusing the lemonade with a deliciously sweet flavor that elevates it beyond regular sugar-sweetened options.

Ingredients

Lemon juice- Fresh lemon juice gives this lemonade a high-quality fresh flavor. While bottled lemon juice is great for many recipes, when you’re making fresh lemonade, it’s always ideal to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. You’ll need about 10-12 lemons to make 2 cups of lemon juice. 

Sugar- Granulated sugar gives this lemonade its classic sweet flavor and tamps down the sourness of the lemon juice. 

Sweet Basil- Fresh basil is a strong aromatic that’s best enjoyed freshly muddled for this recipe. When choosing fresh basil, you can pluck it straight from the garden or purchase them at the grocery store. Just be sure your leaves are bright green and free from blemishes for the best taste. 

Water- Water is the base for the lemonade. You can use filtered water or tap water. Add a splash of carbonated water on the top for a bubbly lemonade.

How to make Basil Lemonade

1. First, collect all of your ingredients for a smooth process. This recipe is quite simple and doesn’t take a lot of time, so it’s good to have all your ingredients and tools ready to go. 
2. The first step is to muddle the basil with the sugar. Muddling gently breaks down the leaves and releases the aroma and oils. To muddle the basil, it’s important to first wash it and dry it with paper towels. Tear the basil into pieces. Place it into a bowl and sprinkle the sugar on top. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press and twist the basil, releasing its oil and smell. You don’t need to fully break down the basil; just allow it to become fragrant.
3. Add your muddled ingredients to a small saucepan with water and cook over medium low for 5 minutes until you no longer see sugar granules. This creates the basil simple syrup that will act as a base for your lemonade.
4. Strain out the basil using a fine mesh strainer and allow the syrup to cool in a liquid measuring cup for easy pouring.
5. To make an 8-ounce glass, fill a cup with ice, add 2 tablespoons of simple syrup, 2-4 tablespoons of lemon juice and enough water to fit your taste preferences. Garnish with lemon slices and additional basil leave if desired.

Do I have to use fresh basil?

While dried and fresh basil can often be used interchangeably in cooking, for this recipe fresh basil is a must. Dried basil won't give you the same flavor and will not be able to be strained from the simple syrup. 

Fresh basil from the grocery store will work perfectly, and even fresh from the garden or farmers market. It's very easy to grow, so if you love the flavor, having a window herb garden might just be a great idea!

How to store leftover fresh basil leaves?

If you find yourself with leftover basil, you’re in luck because there are so many amazing things you can do with it. Besides using it on top of pizza and pasta, you can also use it in this Simple Strawberry Basil Salad, or as a garnish for Burrata with Roasted Tomatoes.

Tips and Variations

• Don’t skip the simple syrup: This creates a perfectly sweetened glass of lemonade without the concern of sugar not dissolving or settling to the bottom. It makes the stirring process more simple, too, because of how easily the syrup mixes into the lemon juice
• Choose good lemons: Good lemon juice starts with good lemons. Look for bright yellow peels that are free from blemishes that don’t feel overly hard or soft. It can be hard to find good lemons when they’re in off-season, but it’s worth the extra time to look for the best choices. Older lemons will still work, but the flavor tends to be more muted.
• Juice them well: Whether you’re using your hands or a citrus juicer, be sure to get out as much lemon juice as possible. Before you cut into the lemon, roll it on the counter with your hand. If it feels hard still, microwave it for 5-10 sec

How to store leftover lemonade?

Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use. You can keep the elements separate to make a fresh glass each time or mix them together in a pitcher until well combined for easy refills.

Want more refreshing drink recipes? I’ve got you covered with everything from fruity Raspberry Mojito mocktails, to a cooling Strawberry Mango Agua Fresca, and even a fizzy Vanilla pomegranate soda topped with ice cream! 

• Drinks