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Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade

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A bright, thirst-quenching lemonade combining fresh strawberries, basil, and lemon juice with a touch of honey or agave syrup. Perfect for sunny days and outdoor gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 15 to 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently torn or muddled
  • 4 large lemons, juiced (about 1 cup or 240 ml lemon juice)
  • 1/3 cup honey or agave syrup (80 ml)
  • 4 cups cold water (960 ml), filtered preferred
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional: sparkling water to replace still water for fizz
  • Optional: lemon slices for garnish
  • Optional: mint leaves as substitute or addition to basil

Instructions

  1. Wash, hull, and quarter about 1 pound of fresh strawberries and place them in a large pitcher.
  2. Add 15 to 20 fresh basil leaves to the strawberries. Using a muddler or wooden spoon, gently press and twist to bruise the basil and crush the strawberries, releasing their juices. Avoid pulverizing the basil. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Juice 4 large lemons until you have about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Pour it into the pitcher with the muddled berries and basil.
  4. Stir in 1/3 cup (80 ml) honey or agave syrup until dissolved. Then add 4 cups (960 ml) cold water. Stir well to combine all flavors. For a sparkling version, replace half or all of the water with chilled sparkling water.
  5. Add ice cubes generously to the pitcher or pour the lemonade over ice-filled glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and a sprig of basil if desired. Let sit for 10 minutes to marry the flavors before serving.

Notes

Do not over-muddle basil to avoid bitterness. Use ripe strawberries for best sweetness. Adjust sweetener to taste. Chill before serving for best flavor. Can substitute sparkling water for fizz. Keeps well refrigerated up to 3 days. Strain for pulp-free lemonade if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, refreshing drink, summer beverage, easy lemonade recipe, natural sweetener, herbal lemonade

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/refreshing-strawberry-basil-lemonade-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-sunny-days/