Strawberry Basil Lemonade

I know strawberry lemonade does not need help. It is already perfect. But hear me out, fresh basil in your strawberry lemonade is a game changer. It sounds weird. It is not weird. It is the kind of combination that makes people stop mid-sip and say, wait, what is IN this? The basil adds this subtle herby sweetness that completely transforms a drink you thought you already knew.

I started making this a few summers ago when I had a giant basil plant that was going absolutely wild and I needed to use it up. It has been my signature summer drink ever since. I have served it at baby showers, cookouts, and just regular Tuesday afternoons on the porch. It always disappears fast.

Why the Strawberry Basil Syrup Is the Secret

The key is steeping the basil directly in the hot strawberry syrup after it comes off the heat. The residual heat is enough to release all those amazing basil oils without making it taste bitter or over-infused. Ten minutes is the sweet spot. Any more and it can get a little grassy.

Use the freshest, ripest strawberries you can find. Farmers market strawberries in early summer are absolutely incredible for this. Grocery store strawberries work fine too, but the more fragrant your berries, the more intensely strawberry your syrup will be.

Make the syrup ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. It gets even better as it sits because the basil keeps infusing. I sometimes make a big batch on Sunday and have the base ready for the whole week.

Make It a Party Drink

This is incredible as a mocktail for summer entertaining. For a crowd, triple the recipe and serve in a big glass pitcher or drink dispenser with lots of ice and fresh strawberry slices floating on top. It looks absolutely stunning and feels way fancier than the effort it takes.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Classic strawberry lemonade elevated with fresh basil. The basil adds a subtle herby sweetness that makes this taste completely unexpected and completely addictive.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 glasses

Course: Drinks

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and halved
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar for syrup
• 0.5 cup water for syrup
• 10 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice about 4 to 5 lemons
• 3 cups cold water
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 4 lemon slices for garnish

Method

 

1. Combine strawberries, sugar, and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until strawberries are very soft. Remove from heat, add basil leaves, and let steep 10 minutes.
2. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer, pressing down firmly on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard solids and let syrup cool completely.
3. Combine strawberry basil syrup with lemon juice and cold water in a pitcher. Stir well and taste, adjusting sweetness or tartness as needed.
4. Fill glasses with ice, pour lemonade over, and garnish with a lemon slice and a fresh basil leaf.

Notes

Make the strawberry basil syrup up to 5 days ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature and stir well before using. The basil flavor intensifies as it sits.

Drop a comment if you make this! I want to know if the basil surprised you as much as it surprised me the first time.

xo, Pam