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Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade Pitcher

strawberry basil lemonade pitcher - featured image

A refreshing and easy-to-make strawberry basil lemonade pitcher perfect for hot summer days, combining fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and basil for a sweet, tart, and herbaceous drink.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 45 large lemons)
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1520 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently torn or muddled
  • 4 cups (950 ml) cold water
  • Ice cubes as needed

Instructions

  1. Place hulled and quartered strawberries in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle granulated sugar over them and toss gently to coat. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to macerate.
  2. While strawberries macerate, juice lemons until you have about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain out any seeds.
  3. Rinse basil leaves and pat dry. Place them in a pitcher and gently muddle with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to release aroma without shredding.
  4. Add the macerated strawberries and their syrup into the pitcher with the basil. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and 4 cups (950 ml) of cold water. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. If short on time, 15 minutes will do.
  6. Serve by filling glasses with ice cubes and pouring the strawberry basil lemonade over the ice. Garnish with a lemon slice or a sprig of basil.

Notes

For a fizzy version, replace cold water with sparkling water just before serving. Avoid over-muddling basil to prevent bitterness. Adjust sugar to taste depending on strawberry sweetness. Serve over ice but add ice to glasses, not the pitcher, to avoid dilution. Store leftovers covered in the fridge up to 3 days and stir gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, homemade lemonade, fruity drink, non-alcoholic, easy lemonade recipe