Strawberry basil lemonade is a refreshing summer beverage that combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the tartness of fresh lemons, and the aromatic, herbaceous flavor of basil. This twist on classic lemonade is an ideal way to quench your thirst on hot days, offering a deliciously unique and flavorful drink that’s perfect for any outdoor gathering, picnic, or just a relaxing afternoon.
To make this vibrant drink, begin by preparing a simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water, heating it until the sugar dissolves completely. Add a few sprigs of fresh basil to the syrup and let it simmer for a few minutes to infuse the flavor. Once done, remove from heat and allow the basil to steep, letting the aromatic oils infuse the syrup.
While the syrup cools, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. You can strain the puree if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving it as is adds a bit more body and rustic charm to the lemonade. Squeeze fresh lemons to extract the juice, making sure to remove any seeds.
Once your basil-infused syrup has cooled, combine it with the strawberry puree and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir well to combine all the flavors, and add cold water or sparkling water, depending on your preference for a still or fizzy drink. Taste and adjust the sweetness with more syrup if needed.
Serve the strawberry basil lemonade over ice, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves and strawberry slices for a burst of color. For a fun twist, add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy finish, or even a splash of gin or rum for an adult version.
This strawberry basil lemonade is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous, making it a refreshing and unique summer drink that will keep you cool all season long.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves loosely packed
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice approximately 2-3 lemons
- 1/2 cup sugar or to taste
- 3 cups cold water divided
Instructions
- In a blender, combine strawberries and basil leaves with 1/2 cup cold water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain the strawberry basil mixture through a fine sieve to remove the solids.
- In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry basil juice with lemon juice, sugar, and the remaining 2 1/2 cups of cold water. Stir well until the sugar dissolves.
- Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with extra basil leaves and strawberry slices if desired.
Nutrition
Why would I put basil in lemonade? Sounds disgusting. Stick to the classic, people.
So yummy! But I think maybe half a cup of sugar is too much. Next time I’ll use less.
I think half a cup is perfect! It balances the tartness of the lemons. 😊
Less sugar? Nah, I like it sweet! But do what you like, I guess.
Strawberries and basil?! Sounds weird but it actually works! I was skeptical, but now I’m a believer! 4 stars!
Eh, it was okay. I prefer my drinks not to taste like salad. Not a fan of basil.
Yum!! Next time I will try it with mint instead to see if that’s better. I didn’t have enough basil.
Mint sounds interesting! I bet it’ll add a refreshing twist! Let us know how it turns out!
Strawberry lemonade = 5 stars!!! <3 <3
I dunno, I think lemonade should just be lemony, not all this basil stuff. Sounds weird to me.
I totally agree! This drink is so refreshing, especially on a hot day! 🌞
Made it for a picnic yesterday and it was gone in minutes! Total crowd-pleaser!
Really? Everyone liked it? I don’t think strawberries and basil would mix well. Sounds weird to me!
That sounds amazing! I love how unique the combination is. Can’t wait to try it out for my next gathering!
This is the best lemonade I’ve ever made! The strawberry and basil combo is genius. 5 stars!
Pretty good! I made it for a picnic, and everyone loved it! Just needed a bit more sugar.
I love strawberry lemonade but never thought to add basil. It’s a bit weird but surprisingly good!
This turned out amazing! The strawberry and basil combo is so refreshing for summer. Definitely a 5-star recipe!
This lemonade is just okay. I think I might prefer regular lemonade instead.
I didn’t have basil, so I used mint instead and it was still delicious! Gonna make this again.
I don’t get why people rave about this. It was okay, but I’ve had better lemonade.
I totally disagree! This lemonade is da bomb! The strawberry and basil combo is so refreshing, you just gotta give it another try.
Honestly, I thought it was just ok too. Maybe my taste buds are broken, but it didn’t wow me like others claimed.
This recipe is so easy! Used frozen strawberries and it still turned out great!
Yummy! Made it for my BBQ, everyone loved it! Will definitely make again!
I dunno, seems a bit weird mixing strawberries with basil. Not sure I’d like it.
Sounds delicious! Perfect for summer BBQs. What a refreshing drink!
Does the basil really make a difference? I wasn’t sure and maybe used too much.
Tastes fresh and yummy! Just remember to strain it well or it gets all gritty.
Totally agree! Straining is key, otherwise it gets kinda messy. But this drink is so refreshing!
Why use basil? Just stick with the plain strawberry lemonade… way better!
Ugh, lemon juice is bad for my stomach. Can I just use lemonade powder instead?!
like, too much work for me. Just grab a soda. who needs basil anyway? lol. 2 stars.
I get that! Some recipes are just too fussy. But trust me, this lemonade is worth it! 😋
Basil adds a unique flavor! But if soda’s your thing, you do you. 🌟
Absolutely delicious! The strawberry and basil combo is a game changer.
Honestly, doesn’t sound that great. Strawberries and basil? Just stick to normal lemonade.
I can’t even imagine that taste! Strawberry and basil? Sounds wild but maybe amazing! I’m gonna try it!
Best drink ever! 🍓🍋💕
I tried this and it was way too sweet for my taste. I might reduce the sugar next time. But the flavors are good. I’ll give it a 3.
Too sweet? Really? I thought it was perfect. Maybe you just have a different taste bud thing going on.
I get that! Some folks might love it sweet, but you do you. Reducing sugar sounds smart!
Strawberry and basil? Sounds weird. I’m not convinced this is gonna taste good, but I’ll try it.
The instructions are easy to follow, but why do you need to strain it? Seems like a waste.
Absolutely loved this! So refreshing on a hot day! The basil adds a unique twist.