Description
A refreshing and vibrant basil lemonade drink made with fresh lemon juice, fragrant basil syrup, and cold water. This easy-to-make beverage is perfect for summer, combining the tartness of lemons with the aromatic flavor of basil, served chilled over ice and garnished with lemon slices and basil sprigs.
Ingredients
Scale
Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
Main Drink
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 3 1/2 cups cold water
- 1 cup ice cubes
- Lemon slices, for garnish
- Extra basil sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the basil syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, sugar, and fresh basil leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the basil to steep in the syrup for 10 minutes to infuse its flavor.
- Strain and cool the syrup: After steeping, strain out the basil leaves using a fine mesh sieve. Let the basil syrup cool to room temperature before proceeding.
- Prepare the lemonade mixture: In a large pitcher, combine the fresh lemon juice, the cooled basil syrup, and the remaining 3 1/2 cups of cold water. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar if desired.
- Chill the drink: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and serve cold.
- Serve: Pour the chilled basil lemonade over ice cubes in individual glasses. Garnish each glass with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of basil for an appealing presentation and added aroma.
Notes
- For a sparkling version, replace half the cold water with sparkling water just before serving to add fizz.
- Muddle extra fresh basil leaves directly in the glasses to intensify the basil flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness according to preferred taste by varying the amount of sugar.
- Use organic lemons and fresh basil for the best flavor and quality.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
