Ah, strawberry basil lemonade—two words that sing the song of summer in my heart! Just imagine: the tartness of lemons mingling with the sweet kiss of strawberries, and then, oh, the basil—it’s like a secret garden of flavors in a glass. I stumbled upon this combination last year at a street fair, and let me tell you, it was like discovering the eighth wonder of the world.
Steps
- Squeeze the lemons to extract the juice and pour it into a large pitcher.
- Mix the sugar with warm water in the pitcher and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Allow the mixture to cool down fully.
- Add the strawberries and basil to the mixture. Blend with an immersion blender for about 20 seconds until the drink turns pink and the basil is finely chopped.
- Optionally, strain out any remaining basil pieces if preferred, as they will have already infused the drink. Add vodka if desired, then serve over crushed ice and enjoy!
Ingredients
- Juice from 10 lemons (approximately 1 cup fresh lemon juice)
- ¾ cup superfine sugar
- 4 cups warm water
- 8-10 strawberries, with tops removed
- ? cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup vodka (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 18mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 158mg | Calcium: 85mg | Iron: 2mg
FAQ
- What are the main ingredients in Strawberry Basil Lemonade?
- The key components of this refreshing drink include freshly squeezed lemon juice, superfine sugar, warm water, strawberries, and fresh basil. You can also add vodka for an alcoholic version.
- How do you make Strawberry Basil Lemonade?
- Begin by juicing the lemons and pouring the juice into a large pitcher. Add sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture cool completely. Then, add strawberries and basil, blending until the mixture turns pink and the basil is finely chopped. Optionally, strain out basil bits, add alcohol if desired, and serve over crushed ice.
- Can this lemonade be made non-alcoholic?
- Yes, simply omit the vodka and, if desired, add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy non-alcoholic version.
- What does the lemonade taste like?
- The lemonade offers a delightful combination of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of freshness from the basil and an extra sweetness from the strawberries, making it a perfect summer drink.
- Are there any tips for serving the lemonade?
- Depending on your preference, you can serve it with or without vodka, and for a refreshing twist, try adding sparkling water. Enjoy it chilled over ice, especially during a barbecue or summer gathering.
Tips
- For a more intense basil flavor, let the basil leaves steep in the lemonade for a few hours before blending. This will allow the basil to infuse more deeply into the drink.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture after blending to remove any remaining basil bits or strawberry seeds.
- To make a refreshing fizzy version, add a splash of sparkling water just before serving. This will give the lemonade a delightful effervescence.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar. You can also substitute the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup for a healthier option.
Equipment
- Immersion Blender – for blending the mixture of strawberries, basil, and lemonade.
- Large Pitcher – to hold and mix the lemonade.
- Fine Mesh Strainer – to strain out any basil bits if desired.
