Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Name: Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 12 (200g) fresh strawberries; 10 (5g) fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 4-5 tbsp white granulated sugar; 200 ml sparkling water; ice cubes; 3-4 fresh basil leaves; 1/2 lemon (sliced); 2-3 strawberries (sliced)

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Strawberry Basil Lemonade is my go-to drink to beat the summer heat. Fresh strawberries fused with the fragrant basil and refreshing lemon juice has an incredible cooling effect. And the fizzy sparkling water gives this drink such a powerful punch.

Glass of strawberry lemonade with garnishes placed on a coaster with another filled glass behind it and fresh strawberries and basil leaves scattered around.

Give me an ice-cold glass of Strawberry Basil Lemonade and I am all set for summer. Especially in this heatwave which has been engulfing Europe for the past few weeks.

Not only does this beverage look pretty impressive and will wow your guests whether at a BBQ or picnic. It also is the perfect thirst-quencher, just like my virgin Mango Mojito.

Strawberry basil lemonade fizzing in a glass garnished with slices of strawberry, lemon and basil with ingredients at the back.

The hint of basil gives this drink such a unique taste. And if you are having second thoughts over this strange combination you have to try it to see it for yourself. You will be hooked!

And did I mention this recipe is easy-peasy? It only takes 5 minutes. Blend everything and top with sparkling water. That is all!

Ingredients

Strawberries - Fresh strawberries impart a better flavour and colour to this lemonade.
Basil - Fresh basil is a key ingredient. And I promise it is not too strong. It just adds some freshness.
Lemon - Squeeze fresh lemons and please don’t use store-bought lemon juice.
Sugar - You definitely need sugar to balance the tartness of lemon or the drink will be too sour. You can sub with maple syrup, honey or a sweetener of your choice.
Sparkling Water - aka carbonated water adds some bubbles to this drink.

How To Make Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Step by step pictures for making Strawberry Basil Lemonade.

Blend strawberries, fresh basil and sugar with a little bit of water until very smooth. Add ice cubes and garnishes to a glass. Pour in the strawberry mixture and lemon juice. Top with sparkling water. Decorate with a wedge of lemon and serve cold.

Strain or not to strain?!
It is a personal preference but if you like your drink to be clear and pulp-free you can strain the strawberry mixture after blending. I don’t mind (rather prefer) bits of strawberries and basil while drinking it. Also it is one step less.

A glass of strawberry drink placed on a coaster with garnishes on top and in the background.

Expert Tips

Make sure you blend the strawberries and basil into a fine puree. As we don’t want anything getting stuck in the straw while drinking.
Instead of making a simple syrup with sugar, lemon and water which is an additional step. I blend the sugar with the strawberries. This way the sugar dissolves completely and there won’t be any grains at the bottom of the glass.

Top shot of strawberry lemonade showing the garnishes of sliced strawberry, lemon and basil leaf.

Variations

Turn it into a mojito by muddling fresh mint with strawberries.
Top with white soda instead of sparkling water. Adjust sugar to taste though.
If you don’t feel like blending or dirtying another vessel you can also muddle the strawberries and basil in your serving glass.
Pour the strawberry and basil puree into popsicle molds and enjoy as a summer treat. And if you are doing that, skip or reduce the amount of sugar.

Close-up of strawberry drink showing the fizzing sparkling water.

FAQs

Can you make strawberry basil lemonade with frozen strawberries?

This drink tastes best with fresh strawberries. But if you want to maybe have it in winter or are out of fresh strawberries you can use frozen. Thaw them before adding to the blender and adjust sugar to your liking.

Can you skip the sugar?

Feel free to use a sweetener of your choice. I don’t recommend skipping the sugar as the drink will be too sour because of the lemon.

Can you skip the basil?

Sure, without it you will have a strawberry lemonade which is amazing on its own.

How to make strawberry basil lemonade in advance?

If you are taking this drink to a picnic, don’t add sparkling water to it. Combine the blended strawberry mixture with lemon juice. And pour in the sparkling water just before serving.

Video

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