Description
This refreshing Basil Lemonade Drink is a perfect summer beverage, combining the bright tartness of freshly squeezed lemons with the aromatic sweetness of basil-infused simple syrup. Easy to prepare and customizable in sweetness, it’s an ideal drink to cool you down on hot days.
Ingredients
Scale
For Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
For 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: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add Basil Leaves: Add the packed basil leaves to the saucepan, gently pressing them down into the syrup to submerge.
- Simmer to Infuse Flavor: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the basil flavor to infuse without boiling.
- Steep the Basil: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the basil steep in the syrup for at least 30 minutes or longer for more intense flavor.
- Strain the Syrup: Pour the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container, discarding the basil leaves. Allow the syrup to cool completely.
- Prepare Lemon Juice: Choose ripe lemons, roll them firmly on a countertop to release juice, then juice 6-8 lemons to yield 1 cup of lemon juice. Remove seeds and optionally strain to remove pulp.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix the cooled basil simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust sweetness or tartness by adding more simple syrup if too tart, or more lemon juice or water if too sweet. Add up to 1 additional cup of cold water to reach desired strength.
- Chill: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and fresh basil sprigs if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger basil flavor, let the basil steep in the syrup longer before straining.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness according to your preference by varying the amount of syrup or lemon juice.
- Store the basil simple syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- You can use sparkling water instead of still water for a fizzy version.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor; dried basil does not work well in this recipe.
- Make sure to strain the syrup well to remove all basil bits for a smooth drink.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
