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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Want more strawberry drinks? Try my indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Milkshake or the delicious Strawberry Pina Colada!
FAQs
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.
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.
Sure, without it you will have a strawberry lemonade which is amazing on its own.
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
More Summer Drinks
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Ingredients
- 12 (200g) fresh strawberries
- 10 (5g) fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 4-5 tablespoon white granulated sugar
- 200 ml sparkling water
- ice cubes
GARNISH
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves
- ½ lemon sliced
- 2-3 strawberries sliced
Instructions
- To a blender or mini food processor add de-stemmed strawberries, basil leaves and sugar. Blend till very fine and there are no big chunks of strawberries.
- Take 2 glasses and put some ice cubes. Add a slice of lemon, 1-2 leaves of basil and 2 slices of strawberry in each glass.
- Divide the strawberry basil puree and lemon juice equally. Then top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a sliced lemon, halved strawberry and a small stem of fresh basil. Serve cold!
Video
Notes
-
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 or basil while drinking it. Also it is one step less.
-
Make sure you blend the strawberries and basil into a fine puree. As we don’t want anything getting stuck in a straw while drinking.
Nutrition
PIN IT FOR LATER
Beth says
This might be the most refreshing summer drink I've ever seen. I love the combination of strawberry and basil mixed with the lemonade.
Qashang says
Thanks for the lovely feedback!
Tayler Ross says
We made a batch of this lemonade yesterday and it's already gone today! So refreshing and flavorful!
Qashang says
So happy to hear that!
Toni says
I love how easy and refreshing this is!! Such a perfect summer drink!
Qashang says
Thanks a lot!
Kathryn says
This lemonade is amazing and so refreshing! The strawberries and basil pair so well together. Making this again today! 🙂
Qashang says
Oh yes they are a magical pair! Glad you tried it.
Holley says
Made with fresh basil and fresh strawberries......this drink can't be any more refreshing! The perfect summertime drink!
Qashang says
Thank you! Glad you liked it.
Mahy says
This strawberry basil lemonade is amazing! It is perfect for this time of the year.
Qashang says
Thank you! It sure is the perfect summer drink.