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Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade

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A bright, refreshing summer drink combining tart lemonade, sweet strawberries, peppery basil, and cool mint. Perfect for backyard BBQs or a lazy afternoon treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves
  • 6–8 fresh mint leaves
  • 4 large lemons, juiced (about 1 cup lemon juice)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave as a substitute)
  • 4 cups cold water
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: club soda or sparkling water for fizz
  • Optional: extra strawberries and herb sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse and hull about 1 cup of fresh strawberries, then slice thinly. Rinse 8-10 basil leaves and 6-8 mint leaves and pat dry. Place strawberries and herbs in the bottom of a pitcher and gently muddle to release juices and oils without pulverizing.
  2. Cut 4 large lemons in half and juice them to yield about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Remove any seeds.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup granulated sugar with ½ cup water. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves completely. Let cool slightly. Alternatively, stir honey or agave directly into lemon juice.
  4. Pour lemon juice and simple syrup into the pitcher with muddled strawberries and herbs. Add 4 cups cold water and stir well. Adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
  5. Optional: Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer for a smoother lemonade without pulp or seeds.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve over ice and garnish with extra strawberry slices and sprigs of basil or mint.

Notes

Do not over-muddle the basil and mint to avoid bitterness. Let the lemonade chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. For a sparkling version, replace half the water with club soda just before serving. Use fresh ice cubes to maintain brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, homemade lemonade, fresh herbs, mint lemonade

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/fresh-strawberry-basil-lemonade-recipe-easy-refreshing-summer-drink/