Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a fresh and fruity mocktail to enjoy throughout the spring and summer. Enjoy it for MDW, Fourth of July and so much more! Option to turn it into a strawberry basil cocktail, too!
Why you’ll love basil strawberry lemonade
Fresh and fabulous! This strawberry basil mocktail is a non-alcoholic treat full of fresh ingredients, including fresh lemon juice, fresh strawberries and fresh basil. That definitely puts the fresh in refreshing!
Perfect for spring and summer! Strawberries come to life around May, and are the sweetest through the spring and summer seasons. Get ready for a warm weather mocktail you’ll be making over and over again.
Turn it into a cocktail! A touch of your favorite gin or vodka would turn this into a cute brunch cocktail, or as I like to call them, an anytime cocktail. Grab your best group of friends and get to sipping!
Extra strawberries on hand? Be sure to make Strawberry Icebox Cake, Strawberry Crumble Recipe and Strawberry Scones.
Ingredients
You don’t need much to make this strawberry basil lemonade as most of the ingredients are in its name. We will need:
- Lemons
- Strawberries
- Basil
- Water
- Simple syrup
- Gin or Vodka, optional
Measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Ingredient substitutions and notes:
- Lemons: We will need about 10-12 lemons to get 10oz fresh lemon juice. Squeeze with your toughest hand strength or with a citrus juicer.
- Strawberries: Pick up a 1 lb clamshell from your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
- Basil: Fresh basil adds a sweet, almost licorice flavor. Fresh mint would be a great addition, too.
- Alcohol: If you decide to go the alcohol route, opt for your favorite clear liquor like gin or vodka. My favorites are Hendrick’s and Tito’s.
How to make
All it takes is some fresh citrus juice and a quick whiz in the blender to have this blush red drink ready in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Juice the lemons: Juice lemons by hand or with a juicer. Strain the juice and set aside, or refrigerate for later.
Blend strawberries and basil: Add strawberries and basil leaves to a food processor or blender. Blend together until basil leaves are finely chopped and strawberries have released their juices. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard pulp.
Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, add fresh lemon juice, strawberry basil mixture, water and simple syrup. Give it a good stir and taste test for sweetness.
Pour and serve: Pour evenly into 4-6 glasses and top with ice cubes. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves, strawberries and lemon slices.
Serving suggestions
Strawberry and basil lemonade is a bright and refreshing drink that pairs well with breakfast foods and salty snacks. I love to sip this summer mocktail al fresco style, when the sun is hot and you need something to cool you down. Enjoy this beauty in style, such as:
- Brunch: Sip it alongside Sausage Egg Casserole, Healthy Blueberry Muffins and Quiche Florentine.
- Mocktail Hour: Enjoy alongside salty snacks like Fried Blue Cheese Olives, Shrimp Platter and Goat Cheese Bruschetta.
Recipe tips & notes:
- Seek out ripe, sweet strawberries. Look for strawberries that are vibrant red, plump and glossy with a bright green stem. Avoid mushy, bruised or moldy berries.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Use real lemon juice and not store bought for the best bright, tangy flavor.
- Use an immersion blender to blend by hand. Add all the ingredients to the pitcher and blend for about 20 seconds, or until the mixture turns pink and the basil is chopped.
- Strain out the strawberry seeds and basil bits if you do not want them. This will create a smoother beverage.
- Adjust the sweetness. Depending on the sweetness of your strawberries, you may need more simple syrup. Taste first and adjust to your liking.
- Top it off with sparkling water for some effervescence.
Looking for more strawberry mocktail / cocktail recipes? Check these out!
- Sparkling Strawberry Lemon Mocktail
- Strawberry Tequila Sour
- Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
- Strawberry Gin Mojito
- Peach Strawberry Frose
If you make this Strawberry Basil Lemonade recipe, be sure to tag me on Pinterest and Instagram!
I seriously love seeing what you guys are making and sharing your creations with the College Housewife community!
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
ingredients
- 10 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice about 10-12 lemons
- 1 lb strawberries
- 10-12 basil leaves
- 2.5 cups cold water
- ½ cup simple syrup or more to taste
- Gin or Vodka optional
instructions
- Juice the lemons: Juice lemons by hand or with a juicer. Strain the juice and set aside, or refrigerate for later.
- Blend strawberries and basil: Add strawberries and basil leaves to a food processor or blender. Blend together until basil leaves are finely chopped and strawberries have released their juices. Pour mixture through a fine mesh sieve and discard pulp.
- Combine ingredients: In a large pitcher, add fresh lemon juice, strawberry basil mixture, water and simple syrup. Give it a good stir and taste test for sweetness.
- Pour and serve: Pour evenly into 4-6 glasses and top with ice cubes. For an extra special touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves, strawberries and lemon slices.
notes
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