

STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE: Summer’s glut of strawberries and fresh basil combine magically to make a stunningly refreshing drink. Spike it if you dare.
When life hands you a Meyer lemon tree (or even simply a handful of more ordinary lemons), you had better get busy. Meyers are some special lemon jewels, and they are not to be wasted or ignored on the tree.
I wanted to appreciate them in all their perfumed glory, so was casting about for a new lemonade recipe. My lure pulled in an intriguing Strawberry Basil Lemonade and I promptly made it.
The herbaceous floral taste was out of this world! So I turned around, got some more lemons, and made it again, slightly altering the method and some ingredient amounts to suit my taste buds.
This is a charming thirst-quencher, and perfect to revive families wilted by the summer heat. I could see building a party around this drink! You could add vodka or gin or hey, tequila!, but this is so easy to glug and so refreshing that if I added alcohol, I would be afraid of getting liquored-up too fast. Suit yourself.
Basil, strawberries and lemons, you ask, screwing up your face in wonderment?
Never fear, it is a match made in summer heaven.
Summer's glut of strawberries and fresh basil combine magically to make a stunningly refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade. Spike it if you dare.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (use super fine sugar if you have it)
- 4 cups water
- 15 fresh strawberries, hulled
- About 20 leaves fresh basil
Directions
- Put lemon juice in a large pitcher. Add sugar and water and stir to combine and dissolve the sugar.
- Using a mini chopper or mini food processor, pulse to grind the strawberries and basil into a chunky paste. Stir this paste into the lemonade. It will turn a beautiful pink, and some of the basil and tiny pieces of fruit will float.
- Refrigerate until chilled. Give it a stir before pouring over ice in glasses.
- Serves 4-5.
Notes
Recipe source: Lightly adapted from What's Gaby Cooking.

Photos by Jakub Kapusnak
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I love basil lemonade, so I’m sure I would love this strawberry basil lemonade! Sounds SO refreshing!
Yummm this looks so good! I love the combo of strawberry and basil!
This looks so delicious and refreshing! Perfect Summer sip!
YUMMY!
Dorothy,
I want to live in California where I could have all of these ripe at the same time! Very envious–this looks like a terrific summer sipper for the whole family!
Kirsten,
You’re right…I am so lucky!
Perfect late summer drink!
Yum! I love strawberry lemonade! I’ve never tried it with basil in it, it looks fantastic!
I’d give my left arm for a lemon tree! How fun!
Wow, Ally, I never think of it that way, because I live in Southern Calif. and they are prevalent in people’s yards. I am lucky enough to have a big Eureka lemon tree, and a dwarf Meyer lemon growing in a whiskey barrel. I need to count my blessings!
This looks so, so refreshing Dorothy and I love the addition of basil. I know what I’m making this weekend!
Classic combination but so good never gets old. I always offer agua fresca at home and this is one of our favorites.
Meyer lemons are special – last year I got 20 lbs. from my MIL’s tree, pinned your recipe for the future.
Strawberries + Lemon + Basil = amazing as far as I am concerned!
I love the strawberry and basil combination! What a refreshing drink.
If only I lived in a strawberry field!! Looks awesome!
This is my kind of thirst quenched. I could totally go for a giant glass right now.
Yes please!! This is my kind of drink!
Great refreshing drink!! Screams of summer!
AND I want that tree!
So refreshing – love the addition of basil here – wish our Meyers were ripe. They are little green golfballs right now…
I love any lemonade, and this one sounds divine! In the summer I usually add a splash of vodka for added kick
Kacey,
That would make a nice adult version.