Refreshing Sparkling Basil Lemonade Recipe
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Mix lemons with basil and the result will be tangy, spicy, and a touch sweet. With sparkling water, this refreshing basil lemonade is perfect for a hot day.
Summer is officially here in North Carolina! And it is HOT. I am talking about rosy, flushed cheeks just walking to the car. (Texas people, you get this. I interned in Houston one summer, so hot!) Anyway, lemonade seems just the fix on a hot day.
We are growing our first container garden and my herbs were ready for use. So I tried mixing lemons with basil and the result was amazing. I used sparkling water for this recipe but you could easily swap it to regular water.
Sparkling Basil Lemonade Ingredients
Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis
- Lemon juice
- Basil Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- Sparkling mineral water
- Ice
- Lemon and Basil for garnish
Basil Simple Syrup Ingredients
- Fresh basil
- Sugar
- Water
How to Make Sparkling Basil Lemonade
In a saucepan combine fresh basil, sugar, and water for at least 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Crush the basil a bit with a spoon while you stir. Cool for 15-30 minutes then strain.
Mix fresh lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and sparkling water in a pitcher. Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Mix with ice and serve with garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use honey instead of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute honey for sugar in basil lemonade if you prefer. Keep in mind that honey has a distinct flavor that will alter the taste of the lemonade slightly. Adjust the amount of honey to taste, as it may be sweeter than sugar.
Can I make basil lemonade ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can make basil lemonade ahead of time for a party. Prepare the simple syrup and steep the basil leaves in advance, then store the syrup in the refrigerator until you’re ready to mix it with lemon juice and sparkling water. Assemble the lemonade just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Is basil lemonade caffeinated?
No, basil lemonade is not caffeinated. It’s a refreshing and non-caffeinated beverage made with lemon juice, basil-infused syrup, and sparkling or still water.
The simmering basil syrup gives a wonderful aroma. I crushed the leaves a bit as I stirred to ensure a basil flavor. It was still delightfully tangy and sweet.
My favorite sparkling water is San Pelligrino, or if you prefer regular lemonade swap sparkling water for filtered still water.
This sparkling lemonade would be perfect for sharing on a hot day at a backyard barbecue, picnic, birthday party, or baby shower. More ice the better. The basil does add tang, but my kids loved it!
Basil Lemonade Recipe
Mix lemons with basil and the result will be amazing: tangy, spicy, and a touch sweet. Mixed with sparkling water, it is a refreshing lemonade recipe perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lemon juice (about 7 squeezed lemons)
- Basil Simple Syrup (recipe below)
- 1 cup sparkling mineral water
- Ice
- Lemon and Basil for garnish
Basil Simple Syrup
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil (about 30 sprigs)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
In saucepan combine basil, sugar, and water an summer at least 5 minutes until sugar is dissolved. Crush the basil a bit with spoon while you stir. Cool 15-30 minutes then strain.
Mix fresh lemon juice, basil simple syrup, and sparkling water in pitcher.
Notes
Store in refrigerator until ready to serve. Mix with ice and serve with garnish.
