There’s nothing quite like a tall, frosty glass of Strawberry Basil Lemonade to lift your spirits and cool you down on a hot afternoon. Sweet strawberries and zesty lemons make for a winning flavor combo, but adding vibrant basil takes this lemonade to another level—herbal, aromatic, and totally refreshing. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to whip up using fresh ingredients, and you’ll love how each sip bursts with summery goodness. Whether you’re sipping solo on the porch or sharing with friends at a picnic, this is the ultimate homemade drink for sunshine-filled days.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Strawberry Lemonade:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
- ¼ cup honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 3 cups cold water
For Serving and Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, lightly torn
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slices and extra strawberries for garnish (optional)

How to Make Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Step 1: Blend the Strawberries, Lemon Juice, and Sweetener

Add the hulled and sliced strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and your sweetener of choice (honey or granulated sugar) to a blender. Blend everything together until it’s completely smooth—a vivid ruby mixture bursting with fruitiness.

Step 2: Strain the Mixture

If you prefer a super-smooth lemonade, set a fine mesh sieve over a pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it. Use a spoon to help press the liquid through, leaving seeds and pulp behind. This step is optional, but it makes for an extra silky finish.

Step 3: Add Cold Water and Basil

Pour the cold water into your pitcher and stir well to combine with the strawberry-lemon mixture. Now, gently stir in the torn basil leaves—tenderly bruising them so their fragrant oils infuse the lemonade but not so much that they overpower it.

Step 4: Chill and Infuse

Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the Strawberry Basil Lemonade time to chill and allows those aromatic basil notes to mingle with the sweet-tart strawberries and lemons, making every sip more refreshing.

Step 5: Serve Over Ice and Garnish

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice, pour the sparkling pink lemonade, and garnish each glass with lemon slices and strawberry halves for a picture-perfect finish. Sip, smile, and enjoy!

How to Serve Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Garnishes

For a show-stopping look, float thin lemon rounds, sliced strawberries, and a few extra basil leaves right in the glass or pitcher. These simple touches amplify both the beauty and flavor, making your Strawberry Basil Lemonade the center of attention at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your pink-hued drink with classic summer bites—think fresh fruit salads, crunchy veggie platters, or light finger sandwiches. Strawberry Basil Lemonade also shines alongside a BBQ or picnic spread, balancing out richer, savory tastes with its vibrant freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve Strawberry Basil Lemonade in mason jars with colorful straws, or pour it into tall vintage glasses for a retro vibe. Garnish with mini fruit skewers or edible flowers to really wow your guests. For a bubbly twist, swap out some water for sparkling water or club soda.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Basil Lemonade keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover your pitcher or store in a lidded jar to keep it tasting fresh. Give it a quick stir before pouring, as basil and fruit puree may settle slightly.

Freezing

For longer storage, pour the lemonade into ice cube trays and freeze. You can toss these flavorful cubes into a fresh glass for an extra punch, or blend them up for a frosty slushie treat on demand. Avoid freezing with ice already in the mixture, as it can water down the flavors when thawed.

Reheating

While Strawberry Basil Lemonade is best served cold, you can gently rewarm it on the stove if you’d like to experiment with a warm citrusy beverage. Heat very gently—just until lukewarm—and remove the basil leaves first to prevent bitterness. It’s a unique twist that feels cozy in cooler weather!

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great and give the lemonade a lovely thickness. Just thaw them slightly before blending so they’re easy to puree, and adjust the sweetener as needed since frozen berries can be a bit more tart.

Is it possible to make this Strawberry Basil Lemonade sugar-free?

Yes! If you’re cutting back on sugar, try substituting with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Add a little at a time and taste as you go—it’s easy to overdo it with sugar substitutes, so gradual adjustment is key.

How do I intensify the basil flavor?

Muddle the basil leaves in the pitcher before adding them, or let them infuse in the lemonade for a few extra hours in the fridge. The longer the basil sits, the bolder its aroma and flavor will become.

Can I prep this lemonade in advance for a party?

You sure can! Mix everything except the basil and ice up to a day ahead. Just before serving, stir in the torn basil leaves and add ice to keep it vibrant and garden-fresh for your guests.

What alcohol pairs well with Strawberry Basil Lemonade for a cocktail version?

Vodka or gin makes a fantastic boozy base if you’re looking to turn your lemonade into a party cocktail. Add 1–2 ounces per serving, stir well, and adjust the sweetness as needed. Garnish as usual and let the festivities begin!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—an effortless, eye-catching, and utterly delicious Strawberry Basil Lemonade that’s perfect for every sunny occasion. Don’t wait for the next heatwave to try it! Grab some fresh berries and basil, gather your friends or family, and let this cheerful drink bring a splash of summer to your day.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful summer drink that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the tang of lemon and a hint of basil. This refreshing strawberry basil lemonade is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Strawberry Lemonade:

1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
¼ cup honey or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
3 cups cold water

For Serving and Garnish:

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, lightly torn
Ice cubes
Lemon slices and extra strawberries for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a blender, combine strawberries, lemon juice, and honey or sugar. Blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp, if desired.
Add cold water to the pitcher and stir well to combine. Gently stir in the fresh basil leaves.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors infuse. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices and extra strawberries if desired.