Homemade Basil Lemonade

Basil and lemon are two summer staples, pair them together to make homemade basil lemonade. A delicious and refreshing drink for a hot summer day.

BASIL LEMONADE

Hot summer days are made for sitting on the porch and sipping cold summer drinks. Here in the South sweet tea is a staple and not just for summer. Honestly, I have never acquired a taste for it. Lemonade or limeade are my non-alacholic beverages of choice. This year I thought I would branch out and add a bit of color and flavor to my lemonade with some fresh herbs. Mint and sweet basil were the obvious choice. Today I am sharing my new favorite basil lemonade recipe. Why not branch out and try something new? Head to your garden and grab a bunch of basil and make a pitcher of homemade lemonade.

Why You Will Love Basil Lemonade

• It’s refreshing, slightly sweet and tart at the same time and will quench your thirst on the hottest summer days.
• With just a handful of items, lemon, basil, sugar, and water, this recipe is easy to make and delicious.
• Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying an afternoon picnic, or simply quenching your thirst at home, basil lemonade is the “fancy” version of traditional lemonade that everyone will love
• This basil lemonade can even be made into a cocktail with a shot of vodka or gin or bourbon. Just be sure to keep that separate from the lemonade for the kids.

Like lemon? Try my Lemon Blueberry Lavender Bread, Lemon Loaf Cake with Glaze, Lemon crumb bars or Italian Lemon Ricotta Loaf Cake.

What You Need to Make Basil Lemonade

Simple ingredients are all that you need to make this summer drink.

• simple syrup
• lemons
• water
• basil
• sugar

How to Make Homemade Basil Lemonade

• Prepare your simple syrup and let it cool to room temperature.
• Muddle fresh basil in the bottom of your pitcher.
• Squeeze lemons for juice.
• Add lemon juice, simply syrup, water and basil to pitcher.

Variations

• Add a few thin cucumber slices to your lemonade.
• Infuse a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender in the simple syrup for a floral variation.
• Swap the lemons for limes for a slightly more tart and tangy drink.
• Replace the still water with sparkling water or club soda for a fizzy drink.
• Grate in a little fresh ginger,  it is delicious with the lemon and basil.
• Freeze basil leaves and lemon zest in your ice cubes to keep the drink cold and to add more flavor to the lemonade.
• Add mint instead of basil to make mint lemonade.
• Make it boozy with a shot of vodka or gin.
• Add fresh strawberries for garnish or make strawberry basil lemonade instead.

How to store lemonade

Store your basil lemonade in an airtight pitcher or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Basil lemonade is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the lemon juice and simple syrup separately in ice cube trays and store for 1-2 months. Thaw and mix the frozen cubes with water and fresh basil leaves when ready to enjoy

Ways to Use Leftovers

• Make basil lemonade popsicles, pour leftover lemonade into popsicle molds for an ice cold refreshing snack.
• Freeze leftover lemonade in ice cube trays to use in water, cocktails, or lemonade.
• Use leftover lemonade as a mixer for cocktails or mocktails.
• Combine two Southern favorites and make a pitcher of lemon basil iced tea. Mix leftover lemonade with brewed iced tea and add fresh basil leaves for a refreshing twist on classic iced tea.

Until Next Time

This basil lemonade turns a simple summer drink into something a little special. Whether you’re lounging on your porch reading a book or hosting friends, this recipe is a refreshing classic with a twist. I hope that you make a big pitcher before summer is over. Have a wonderful day and a beautiful summer.

Do you have a favorite lemonade recipe to share?

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Homemade Basil Lemonade

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Basil and lemon are two summer staples, pair them together to make homemade basil lemonade. A delicious and refreshing drink for a hot summer day.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 pitcher 1x

Ingredients

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For Simple Syrup

11/2 cup of granulated sugar

1 cup of water

Ingredients for Lemonade

11/2– 13/4  cups of fresh squeezed lemon juice

7–9 cups of water

1 handful of fresh basil

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Instructions

Place sugar and water into a pan and over medium heat bring to a boil, stirring a bit so that the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

To make Lemonade

Place 1/2 basil in the bottom of a pitcher, muddle with a muddler to break it up a little and to release the flavor, add the water, simple syrup, and lemon juice. Mix well.

At this point you can let it sit for a little while to let the flavors meld or you can pour into glasses and garnish with the other half of the basil and enjoy.

Notes

You can make this as tart or as sweet as you would like by adjusting the simple syrup and the lemon juice. I personally like mine a little tart.

• Author: Elizabeth
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 5
• Category: drinks
• Cuisine: American

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