This Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a fun summer twist on the classic lemonade. It's made with fresh strawberries, basil, and just a touch of agave syrup. It's easy to make, low in sugar, and so refreshing!
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Why This Recipe Works
So simple and easy - The recipe calls for just 5 ingredients! Strawberries, lemon juice, fresh basil, agave syrup, and water. It's so easy to make this drink whenever you have lots of strawberries on hand. I love making it with fresh juicy strawberries as soon as they come into season!
Low in added sugar - Store-bought lemonades and classic lemonades are made with lots of added sugar but this one is sweetened naturally with strawberries and just a touch of agave syrup. You can also leave out the syrup to make it even lighter!
Great for any occasion - You can whip this drink up in just a few minutes. It's great for a party as a non-alcoholic option, for a bbq, or just as a refreshing drink on a hot day!
Ingredients
- Strawberries - Fresh strawberries work the best but frozen strawberries work too in a pinch. I recommend defrosting them first in the fridge overnight so they're easier to blend and strain.
- Lemon juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor. But you can use bottled lemon juice too if necessary. Try to get one that isn't from concentrate.
- Basil - Fresh basil gets blended up with the strawberries and adds a ton of flavor. Dried basil won't work here because it wouldn't add the same amount of flavor.
- Agave syrup - This is optional but I like to sweeten the lemonade with a little bit of agave syrup. You can also use cane sugar or maple syrup.
- Water - You could also use lemonade instead of lemon juice and water but I highly recommend you try the refreshing flavor of the two in this drink without any added sugar.
Variations and Substitutions
- Mint - If you don't like basil, you can use fresh mint instead.
- Lime - If you don't have lemons, you can add lime juice instead. It works especially great in combination with fresh mint!
- Lemonade - If you want this drink to have a more classic lemonade flavor, you can add store-bought lemonade instead of water. The recipe only calls for freshly squeezed lemon juice and water to keep the drink low in sugar, light, and refreshing.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- Instead of making syrup, you're going to blend the strawberries, fresh basil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice together in a high-speed blender. Just blend everything on high until smooth and fully blended.
- Straining the mixture is optional but highly recommended. It removes all the strawberry seeds and pieces of basil and leaves you with smoother lemonade.
- Pour the strained mixture into a tall pitcher with water and stir to combine.
Serving and Storing
Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with lemon and strawberry slices and fresh basil.
I recommend serving it over ice instead of adding ice to the lemonade to prevent it from getting watered down too much. It's also easier to pour without any ice in it if your pitcher doesn't have a lid.
Storing: Store any leftover lemonade in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2-3 days.
FAQs
This lemonade is made with just fresh strawberries, lemon juice, basil, water, and a touch of agave. It's a healthy alternative to store-bought lemonade.
Fresh mint would be a great option. You can also add lime juice instead of lemon to go with the mint. I don't recommend dried basil because it wouldn't add the same flavor.
More Fun Lemonade Recipes
There are so many versions of the classic lemonade you can make and if you liked this strawberry one, I have four others you can try! To see all the latest ones, head over to the Non-Alcoholic Drinks Category.
- Iced Raspberry Passion Tea Lemonade
- Iced Matcha Lemonade
- Iced Peach Green Tea Lemonade (my favorite Starbucks copycat drink!)
- Iced Guava Black Tea
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a fun twist on the classic lemonade. Perfect for serving at backyard barbecues or simply enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1-2 tablespoon agave syrup
- ⅓ cup lemon juice (2-3 lemons)
- 4 ½ cup water (divided)
- Ice
- Lemon and strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Into a high-speed blender add strawberries, fresh basil, agave syrup, lemon juice, and ½ cup of water.
- Blend on high until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a tall pitcher.
- Add 4 cups of water and stir to combine.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon slices, strawberries, and basil if desired.
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight jar in the fridge for up 2 days.
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Gloria says
It is hot, and I have lots of basil growing in the garden. What a great way to have a refreshing drink on the patio.
Bernice says
It really is amazing how well strawberries and basil go together. I love them in a salad, caprese style and as a little crostini appetizer. Now I love them together in a cocktail too. Great recipe!
Lauren Michael Harris says
Our basil has been exploding this year so I was looking for some new ways to use it besides pesto. This lemonade was DELICIOUS! It will definitely be a recipe we make again soon!
Megane says
My favourite combination of flavours. Both sweet and herby in a good way. This was very delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Jenny says
Strawberry and basil may sound like an odd couple. Instead they are wonderful companions. Enjoy this delicious lemonade.
Ann says
This is such a great lemonade recipe! Very refreshing! One I will keep making over and over again this summer!
Susan says
What a perfect mocktail for summer! I'm on the hunt for mocktails I want to keep in the refrigerator, and this one is ideal for us. Thank you!!!
Lisa says
So refreshing and perfect in the summer. My friends love when I make this lemonade!
Moop Brown says
This strawberry basil lemonade seems incredibly refreshing and like a perfect drink to cool off with this summer.