If there’s a single sip that encapsulates summer garden party bliss, it’s Strawberry Basil Lemonade—vivid pink, fragrant with fresh herbs, perfectly tangy, and kissed with just the right amount of sweetness. This recipe is a joyful twist on classic lemonade, blending the sunniest seasonal berries with zesty lemon and bright basil in a drink that’s as gorgeous as it is refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Vibrant: Fresh strawberries and basil not only add beautiful color but also infuse this lemonade with garden-fresh flavor you just can’t get from a bottle.
- Easily Customizable: Whether you like your drinks barely sweet or crave a little extra sugar, you can tailor each batch to your perfect taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Impressive: Strawberry Basil Lemonade is guaranteed to brighten any gathering, picnic, or brunch with its show-stopping look and taste.
- Simple, Real Ingredients: Only a handful of everyday ingredients come together for something truly special, with no artificial colors or flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Basil Lemonade relies on just a few key ingredients, each adding its own pop of color, aroma, or tang. When you use fresh, quality produce, every element shines and you’ll taste the difference in every glass.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (about 10, roughly torn): The basil infuses a fragrant herbal note that pairs beautifully with sweet berries and zingy lemon.
- Strawberries (about 10, or 5.5 ounces/155g, plus extra for garnish): Juicy and vibrant, strawberries turn this lemonade a gorgeous pink and contribute natural sweetness.
- Organic Sugar (3 tablespoons/36g): Just enough to mellow the tartness without overpowering the fruit—add more for a sweeter lemonade if you like.
- Water (¾ cup/180ml for syrup + 4 cups/960ml cold): The foundation for both the syrup and to dilute the tartness for perfect sippability.
- Lemons (3, juiced, about ⅓ cup/80ml): Freshly squeezed lemon juice is the heart of the classic lemonade flavor—don’t settle for bottled!
- Ice: Essential to serving the lemonade refreshingly cold and crisp on a hot day.
- Extra Basil Sprigs & Sliced Strawberries for Pitcher: For an eye-catching pitcher and an extra burst of fruity flavor in every pour.
Variations
The best thing about homemade Strawberry Basil Lemonade? It welcomes all sorts of delicious twists! This recipe plays well with different preferences, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your kitchen.
- Make It Bubbly: Swap some (or all) of the cold water for sparkling water to add gorgeous effervescence right before serving.
- Vegan & Refined Sugar-Free: Use maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar in place of white sugar for a naturally sweetened version.
- Berry Medley: Try mixing in raspberries or blackberries for new bursts of color and tangy-sweet dimension.
- Grown-Up Lemonade: Add a splash of vodka, gin, or sparkling prosecco to your glass for a festive cocktail twist.
How to Make Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Basil Syrup
Start by combining chopped strawberries, torn basil leaves, sugar, and ¾ cup of water in a small pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over low heat. Let it bubble gently for about 10 minutes—the strawberries will release their juices, the basil will steep its lush flavor, and everything will meld into a rosy, aromatic syrup. Once done, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the solids, pressing lightly to extract all the goodness, and set it aside to cool for about five minutes.
Step 2: Juice the Lemons and Prep the Pitcher
While your syrup cools, juice three fresh lemons into a large pitcher, aiming for about a third of a cup. Slice up the squeezed lemons and toss them into the pitcher, too—this extra step amps up the citrus aroma and adds visual appeal to your finished drink.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Pour the cooled strawberry basil syrup into the pitcher with the lemon juice. Add four cups of cold water and a generous handful of ice to get everything crisp and frosty. Give it a good stir to blend the striking flavors, then toss in a handful of sliced strawberries and a few sprigs of fresh basil for stunning color and even more flavor uplift.
Step 4: Serve and Savor
Pour the Strawberry Basil Lemonade over ice into tall glasses, making sure each serving gets a little of the vibrant fruit and fragrant basil straight from the pitcher. Garnish with additional lemon slices, strawberry halves, or whole basil leaves for an irresistible finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Basil Brilliance: Tear the basil leaves by hand rather than chopping them—this helps release the natural oils without turning the basil bitter.
- Sweetness Your Way: Taste the lemonade after assembling and stir in more sugar, maple syrup, or agave a tablespoon at a time if you like it sweeter—lemon tartness can vary!
- Ice, Ice, Baby: For a party, freeze strawberries or whole basil leaves into your ice cubes for an extra burst of color that won’t water down your drinks as the ice melts.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the strawberry basil syrup up to 3 days ahead and chill—just mix with fresh lemon and water when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.
How to Serve Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Garnishes
Dress up each glass of Strawberry Basil Lemonade with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh basil, or let halved strawberries float in the pitcher for a gorgeous burst of color. Edible flowers like pansies or violets also make an eye-catching, festive accent for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This lemonade is the definition of a picnic superstar—pair it with light fare like finger sandwiches, leafy salads, grilled chicken skewers, or a crisp cheese board. The fruitiness complements savory bites while the tartness refreshes your palate with every sip.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunches, serve Strawberry Basil Lemonade in mason jars or glass pitchers loaded with colorful fruit and basil. For an extra-special touch, rim glasses with lemon sugar or offer a DIY garnish bar so guests can personalize their own stunning refreshments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Strawberry Basil Lemonade, store it in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before pouring, since natural separation is totally normal with homemade lemonade.
Freezing
Want to enjoy Strawberry Basil Lemonade all week? Pour any leftovers into ice cube trays or popsicle molds and freeze! Add frozen cubes to water or sparkling drinks for an instant flavor burst, or let them thaw for a quick single-serve treat.
Reheating
This drink is all about chilly refreshment—no reheating required! If your lemonade has gotten too icy or the flavors have dulled, just let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes and give it a stir before serving again.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work beautifully for the syrup—just let them thaw before using so they break down easily and still release plenty of flavor and color.
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How do I make the lemonade less tart or more sweet?
If it’s too tart, simply add more sugar (or your favorite sweetener) a little at a time until it’s just right for you. Taste as you go—lemons can really vary in how intense they are!
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Is it possible to prepare Strawberry Basil Lemonade ahead of time?
Yes—you can make the strawberry basil syrup several days ahead and refrigerate it. Combine the syrup with fresh lemon juice, water, and garnishes right before serving for the brightest flavor.
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Can I double the recipe for a party or picnic?
Definitely! This recipe is made for easy batching—just multiply all ingredients as needed and mix in a large beverage dispenser or several pitchers for a crowd-pleasing, eye-catching refreshment.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says “summer celebration” like a big pitcher of homemade Strawberry Basil Lemonade on the table. I hope you love sharing this vibrant, refreshing treat with your favorite people, one glass of sunshine at a time—cheers to your new warm-weather favorite!
Print
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Refreshing and flavorful, this Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a delightful twist on a classic summer drink. The combination of sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and zesty lemons makes for a truly refreshing beverage that is perfect for a hot day.
Ingredients
Basil Strawberry Syrup
- 10 leaves basil, roughly torn
- 10 strawberries (about 5.5 ounces/155g), chopped
- 3 tablespoons (36g) organic sugar
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
Other
- 3 lemons, juiced (about 1/3 cup/80ml)
- 4 cups cold water (960ml)
- Ice
- 5 extra sliced strawberries for pitcher
- Basil for pitcher
Instructions
- Basil Strawberry Syrup: In a small pot, combine all the ingredients for the strawberry basil syrup. Bring to a rolling simmer over low heat and then let it cook for another 10 minutes. Strain the syrup and set it aside to cool for about 5 minutes.
- Preparing the Lemonade: In a large pitcher, squeeze the juice of 3 lemons. Slice the lemons and add them to the pitcher. Add the strawberry basil syrup, cold water, and ice. Mix well.
- Finishing Touches: Add sliced strawberries and extra basil to the pitcher. Serve the lemonade over ice, adding fresh fruit to each serving.
Notes
- PLEASE NOTE: This lemonade is lightly sweetened; adjust sugar to taste. Refer to the sweetness factor for guidance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240ml)
- Calories: Approx. 85 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 15g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
