Get ready for the drink of your summer… Strawberry Basil Lemonade!
Strawberry Basil Lemonade was basically the first drink recipe I ever post on WGC and it’s been my most requested drink ever since. It’s a refreshing blend of homemade lemonade that gets fresh strawberries and basil pureed into the mixture. Depending on who’s enjoying this with me, I’ll add a bit of vodka or just leave it non-alcoholic and add a splash of sparkling water and enjoy it over some ice. Either way, it’s the best drink out there and you should probably be drinking this over the weekend. Preferably while grilling!!
So before Friday hits, grab some lemons, strawberries and a handful of fresh basil and making some cocktails or mocktails! And if you’re in need of some more summer inspired cocktails… we’ve got you covered!
Summer Cocktails:
- Watermelon Tequila Punch
- Fresh Peach Mojitos
- Blueberry Mint Bourbon Lemonade
- Pimms Cup
- Classic Aperol Spritz
- Strawberry Jalapeno Margs
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Strawberry Basil Lemonade was basically the first drink recipe I ever post on WGC and it's been my most requested drink ever since. It's a refreshing blend of homemade lemonade that gets fresh strawberries and basil pureed into the mixture
Ingredients
- 10 lemons, juiced, about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup super fine sugar
- 4 cups warm water
- 8-10 strawberries, tops removed
- 1/3 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup vodka optional
Instructions
- Juice the lemons and transfer the juice into a large pitcher.
- Add the sugar and the water and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar. Let cool entirely.
- Add the strawberries and basil.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture for about 20 seconds just until the mixture turns pink and the basil is finely chopped. Strain out any of the basil bits if you don't want them, they'll have already infused into the drink.
- Add alcohol if desired. Serve over crushed ice and enjoy!
I blogged about your recipe for National Lemonade Day! http://creativetastes.blogspot.com/2010/08/national-lemonade-day.html
Hey, I made strawberry basil lemonade too! http://shouldhavezagged.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/birthday-party-drinks/ No booze, though. 🙂
10 lemons/1 cup?
Wow, I usually only need 2/3 lemons to yield a cup of juice. Maybe the lemons I get are just really big?
Love how easy and quick this recipe is. In the restaurant I work in we make lemonade and Ginger beer, but ferment it for a couple of days with yeast to get it sparkling, but your’s is awesome for just making because you feel like some right then and there!
I love that you are using mason jars for this. I only ever use mason jars, and I have a friend who, every time he comes over, will only drink out of a wine glass because he refuses to drink out of a jar!
I just found this recipe which looks amazing! My coworker just gave me lots of lemons from her backyard, I have strawberries from our CSA box and lots of basil from Trader Joe’s. I can’t wait to make this tonight!
This sounds so refreshing. I especially love the colors together.
This is my absolute favourite summer beverage!
Thanks for sharing!
Ohhh! I’m going to make this as well as the potato salad. Thank for posting such great recipes.
Made this Saturday morning and took a pitcher to the inlet w/ my sister for some kayaking and relaxation! We both fell in love and she ended up making it the next day! Thanks for a very refreshing summertime drink… and for allowing me to use up some of my ever growing basil!
i can’t believe I stumbled across this recipe. Thank you so much. I just had some of these at Houlihan’s happy hour for the first time two weeks ago and I fell in love. Now I want to have a party and use your recipe so everyone can enjoy!
Is this okay to make a day in advance? Also will you get the same color using a regular blender?
thanks!
you can absolutely make it a day in advance and a regular blender will be fine! The basil might turn a dark color if you make it the day before – so you could also add the basil right before you serve!
I made this today, sans booze. It’s exceptionally good. Thanks for the recipe!
Definitely a good idea. This lemonade is quite refreshing!
Ooooh, this looks good! (I’m pretty sure I’d have to make it a cocktail!) 🙂
I love your lemonade recipes! They’ve become a staple in our home!
Wow, this looks like perfection on a hot summer day! So refreshing and so gorgeous too! I love the addition of basil.
What a great way to quench your thirst on a hot summer day!
Sounds great and think I’ll opt in for the vodka!