Description
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Basil Lemonade that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the aromatic freshness of basil and tangy lemon juice. Perfect for cooling down on warm days, this homemade lemonade can be served chilled over ice or frozen into popsicles for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Herbs
- 10 fresh large strawberries – hulled
- 5 strawberries – hulled & sliced
- 15 leaves fresh basil
- 1 cup lemon juice – freshly squeezed
Liquids
- 6 cups filtered or sparkling water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Sweetener (Optional)
- 4 tbsp agave or maple syrup
Others
- 3 cups ice
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Add the whole strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, and water to a powerful blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth lemonade.
- Sweeten the Lemonade: Taste the strained juice and, if desired, add 4 tablespoons of agave or maple syrup to sweeten. Stir well until fully incorporated.
- Add Sliced Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries into the pitcher for added texture and garnish.
- Chill and Serve: Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or serve immediately over ice. Garnish with additional basil leaves if preferred. Alternatively, freeze the lemonade into popsicles for a refreshing frozen treat.
Notes
- Using freshly squeezed lemon juice ensures the best flavor.
- The sweetener is optional – adjust to your taste preference or omit for a more tart beverage.
- Straining removes pulp and seeds for a smooth texture, but can be skipped if you prefer a more rustic, pulpy lemonade.
- Try sparkling water instead of filtered water for a fizzy version.
- Freezing into popsicles makes a fun and healthy snack for kids.
