This basil lemonade is the most refreshing and delicious twist on a classic nostalgic summertime drink, perfect for all those hot days ahead!
When you think of a summer drink, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Hands raised if you said lemonade, because that’s the first thing I always think of (I know my hand shot straight up!)
Lemons are so brightly colored, one can’t help but think of the bright flavors and tart flavors that the wonderful citrus fruit has when squeezed and turned into a drink.
[Tweet “Cool off with this delicious basil lemonade from @sweetphi”]
When I was growing up, as soon as the weather turned warm, my sisters and I were sent out to play. With the sun shining, we would spend hours outside until my mother called us in for refreshments that always included glasses of lemonade.
It wasn’t until years later that I realized my mother’s genius: Hydration is key to keeping cool during the summer, and what better way than with lemonade?
Lemonade is a universally nostalgic summer beverage, but taste preferences are very personal. Some like it tart, some like it sweet, some like it best with other flavors. That’s where basil comes in -fresh basil added to lemonade complements the tart lemons with a smooth sweetness. It makes it fresh, it makes the flavors really pop!
Also, there’s something special about having a pitcher of lemonade all ready to go in one’s fridge. A few weeks ago my husband and I had been working on planting our little garden (we have a raised garden bed in our backyard and I have a worm compost in the basement that I use when we plant the garden) and after doing work outside all morning, we came inside and I made us these lemonades, they were so refreshing! I love adding fresh herbs to the lemonade, and while I’ve tried adding mint and other herbs, it’s definitely the basil that is my favorite – and with only 3 ingredients, it’s perfect for this weeks’ Five Ingredient Friday.
Ingredients
- 6 lemons
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups water divided
- 4 to 6 large basil leaves
- 2 cups ice
Instructions
- Juice the lemons; you’ll want about 1 cup juice.
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup water and cook over medium heat until sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
- Place basil leaves in a large pitcher and add ½ cup of the lemonade concentrate from the saucepan. Muddle a little (use back of a wooden spoon if you don’t have a muddler) so that the basil leaves break. Pour in remaining concentrate and remaining 7 cups water. Cool in the refrigerator or add ice and serve immediately.
- To serve, pour glasses of lemonade over ice.
Looking for a menu of cold foods perfect for hot summer days? How about this basil lemonade along with watermelon salsa, Mexican street corn salad, three bean and steak salad and strawberries and cream icebox pie!
Persephone H says
Basil is my number one ingredient, so this is pretty much my dream drink for summer. I always love having refreshing non-alcoholic drinks up my sleeve for hot days
Sweetphi says
Adding a little basil really spruces up drinks in the summer, it’s so refreshing and delicious!
Simona says
I’d like to drink a cold lemonade right now. This lemonade looks delicious!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much!
Heather - Butter & Burlap says
Yum, yum, YUM! I’m needing this refreshing drink in mah life!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much girl 🙂 I think you’d love this refreshing basil lemonade
Lucie (@theglowwithin) says
basil and lemon together? What a beautiful combination!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much 🙂
Rebecca@Figs and Pigs says
Oh wow this sounds so good I love real lemonade and the basil addition would be awesome. Such a a refreshing drink.
Sweetphi says
This is definitely super refreshing, especially when it’s super hot outside! I think you’d love the addition of basil 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Mmm this sounds so incredibly refreshing and delicious, Phi!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much Rachel, it is super refreshing on a hot summers day!
Shawnna says
Oh so yummy!! I love lemonade! This looks so good!!
Sweetphi says
Thank you so much Shawnna, homemade lemonade with some basil is the best!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
This looks SO refreshing. We just need some hot weather to go with it here in the UK. I have never made my own lemonade, but that’s something I need to do this summer.
Sweetphi says
You’d totally love making your own lemonade 🙂 And here’s to hoping the weather gets nicer !