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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. It tastes sophisticated yet familiar, if that makes sense.
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! While it’s perfectly refreshing as-is and kid-friendly, you could adult it up by adding vodka or gin or hey, tequila! I added no alcohol because this is so easy to glug and so satisfying that I was afraid of drinking it too fast and getting liquored-up. Suit yourself, but believe me when I say you won’t miss the booze.
Basil, strawberries and lemons, you ask, screwing up your face in wonderment?
Never fear, it is a flavor 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.
Pin the image below for Strawberry Basil Lemonade to your Pinterest board to save this recipe
Photos by Jakub Kapusnak
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At ShockD, you’ll find scrumptious, tried & true, "scary good" recipes, tips and coaching to make YOU a fabulous home cook! Don't blame me if you need a 12-step program to wean yourself away!
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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!
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!
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.
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. 🙂