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Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

This isn't just another lemonade recipe; it's a perfect harmony of sweet strawberries and fresh basil in a tangy lemonade base. The unexpected pairing of herbaceous notes with fruity sweetness creates a complexity that ordinary lemonades simply can't match.
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Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Herb Lemonade, Summer Drink, Refreshing Beverage
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Infusion Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 87kcal

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh Strainer
  • Large Pitcher
  • Wooden Spoon

Ingredients

Lemonade Base

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves lightly bruised to release oils
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice approximately 6-8 lemons
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar or 1/2 cup honey for a more nuanced sweetness
  • 6 cups cold water

For Serving

  • ice cubes
  • additional strawberries for garnish
  • additional basil sprigs for garnish

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and ½ cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes), reduce heat to low and let simmer for another 5 minutes until strawberries soften and release their vibrant color.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the fresh basil leaves. Cover and allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes. The residual heat perfectly extracts the essential oils from the basil without cooking away the bright, herbaceous notes.
  • Pour the strawberry-basil mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract all the liquid without forcing pulp through.
  • Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the strawberry-basil syrup, then pour in the remaining cold water. Stir thoroughly to combine all flavor elements.
  • For optimal flavor development, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
  • Fill glasses with ice, pour the chilled Strawberry Basil Lemonade, and garnish with fresh strawberry slices and small basil leaves.

Notes

Slightly mashing the strawberries with a wooden spoon during simmering releases 40% more flavor compounds, enhancing the final taste profile.
For a sparkling version, substitute 2 cups of the water with unflavored seltzer water.
Replace basil with mint for a more traditional profile, or try agave nectar instead of sugar for a lower glycemic impact.

Nutrition

Calories: 87kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Sodium: 5mg | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin C: 85mg
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