Basil-Infused Strawberry Lemonade: A Sweet Summer Sip

Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade

As the temperatures rise and summer is in full swing, I find myself craving a cool and refreshing homemade beverage to enjoy on a hot afternoon. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for a unique twist on classic lemonade — Strawberry Basil Lemonade. This delightful drink combines the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the herbaceous notes of fresh basil, all balanced out by the tartness of lemons. It’s the perfect way to quench your thirst and brighten your day.

Ingredients:

• 200g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 10g fresh basil leaves
• 3 lemons, juiced
• 100g granulated sugar
• 500ml water

Kitchen Tools:

• blender
• saucepan
• fine mesh strainer
• pitcher

To start, combine the sliced strawberries, basil leaves, lemon juice, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the strawberries are soft and the flavors have melded together.

Once the mixture has simmered, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a blender. Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds. Press down on the solids to extract all the liquid, then discard the solids.

Pour the strained strawberry basil mixture into a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour until it’s cold. When you’re ready to serve, pour the lemonade over ice in a glass and garnish with a fresh basil leaf or strawberry slice for a beautiful presentation.

This recipe yields approximately 800 grams of Strawberry Basil Lemonade, enough for 4 servings. Each serving is roughly 200 grams and contains an estimated 100 calories.

One clever tip for this recipe is to muddle a few extra basil leaves in the bottom of your glass before pouring in the lemonade. This will release even more aromatic flavors and enhance the overall taste of the drink.

I hope you give this Strawberry Basil Lemonade a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Feel free to customize it by adjusting the sweetness or tartness to suit your taste preferences. Cheers to a refreshing summer beverage that’s sure to brighten any day!