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Strawberry Basil Lemonade

strawberry basil lemonade - featured image

This easy strawberry basil lemonade is a refreshing summer drink made with fresh strawberries, basil, and lemon juice. It’s sweet, tart, and herbal—perfect for cookouts, picnics, or lazy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 medium lemons, juiced (about 1 cup fresh lemon juice)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste; can substitute honey or agave)
  • 5 cups cold filtered water
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
  • Ice cubes (for serving)
  • Sparkling water (optional, for a fizzy twist)
  • Lemon slices and strawberry halves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cut lemons in half and juice them using a citrus juicer to yield about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice.
  2. Add hulled and halved strawberries and fresh basil leaves to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth and vividly pink.
  3. Pour the blended strawberry basil mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher, pressing out as much liquid as possible.
  4. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice, strained strawberry basil puree, and granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until sugar is dissolved.
  5. Add cold filtered water and stir to combine. For a fizzy version, replace 2 cups of water with chilled sparkling water, adding it just before serving.
  6. Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, add ice cubes, lemon slices, and strawberry halves for garnish.
  7. Pour into tall glasses, top with a fresh basil leaf, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use ripe strawberries for best flavor. Muddle basil gently to avoid bitterness. Chill before serving for optimal taste. Adjust sweetness to your preference. For a fizzy version, add sparkling water just before serving. Can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry basil lemonade, summer drink, homemade lemonade, refreshing beverage, picnic drink, kid-friendly, vegan, gluten-free