Basil lemonade is a fresh twist on classic homemade lemonade. Fresh lemon juice and basil come together for a drink that's bright, slightly herbal, and incredibly refreshing. The basil is infused into a simple syrup, giving every sip fresh flavor without leaving bits of herbs floating in your glass.
This easy recipe uses just four simple ingredients and is perfect for hot summer afternoons, backyard barbecues, baby showers, or anytime you want something a little different than traditional lemonade
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!
Ingredients
Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemons give this lemonade the best flavor. You'll need about 10 to 12 lemons to make 2 cups of juice.
Granulated sugar: Sugar balances the tartness of the lemons and is dissolved into a simple syrup for a smooth lemonade without any gritty texture.
Fresh basil: Fresh basil adds a subtle herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with lemon. Look for bright green leaves without brown spots.
Water: Use cold filtered or tap water. For a sparkling version, replace some of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
How to make Basil Lemonade
- Wash and dry the basil leaves, then tear them into a few pieces. Place the basil in a bowl with the sugar and gently muddle it using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until the leaves become fragrant.
- Transfer the basil and sugar mixture to a small saucepan with the water. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves completely, about 5 minutes. Don't let it boil.
- Strain the basil from the syrup using a fine mesh strainer and allow the syrup to cool completely.
- To make the lemonade, fill a glass with ice. Add 2 tablespoons of basil simple syrup, 2 to 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and top with cold water. Stir well and adjust the lemon juice or syrup to suit your taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices 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.
If you don't have basil, fresh mint is another delicious option for a refreshing herbal lemonade.
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!
Basil Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Muddle the basil with the sugar in a small pan. Add in the water and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved.
- Strain out the basil with a fine mesh strainer.
- To each cup, add ¼ cup of basil simple syrup, ¼ cup of lemon juice and water to taste.
- This can also be mixed all together in a large pitcher as well.
- Garnish with more fresh basil and lemon slices.
- To make this sparkling, add sparkling water in place of regular water.
Notes
- 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
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!