Description
This Basil Lemonade is a refreshing summer drink that combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemons with the aromatic, herbaceous notes of basil. Perfectly balanced with a homemade basil-infused simple syrup, this lemonade is an ideal thirst quencher for hot days and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
Lemonade
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 4–5 cups cold water (for diluting)
- Lemon slices and basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Make the Basil Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Basil: Add the packed basil leaves to the saucepan, gently pushing them down into the syrup. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes to infuse the syrup with basil flavor, taking care not to boil.
- Steep the Basil: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the basil leaves to steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes (longer for more intense flavor).
- Strain the Syrup: Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container, discarding the basil leaves. Let the syrup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prepare the Lemon Juice: Select ripe lemons that are heavy for their size with smooth, thin skins. Roll each lemon firmly on the countertop to release more juice. Juice the lemons using a citrus juicer, removing any seeds. Optionally strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to remove pulp. Measure out 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Mix the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine the cooled basil simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 4 cups of cold water. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Adjust Taste: Taste the lemonade and adjust sweetness or tartness as preferred by adding more simple syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice/water for tartness. If the lemonade is too strong, add the remaining 1 cup or more of cold water to dilute to your desired strength.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the basil lemonade over ice. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs if desired for an attractive presentation and enhanced aroma.
Notes
- For a stronger basil flavor, steep the basil in the syrup for longer or add more basil leaves.
- Adjust sweetness and tartness according to your preference by varying the syrup and lemon juice quantities.
- Store leftover basil simple syrup refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor instead of bottled lemon juice.
- This lemonade can be made in advance and kept chilled for an easy, refreshing drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
