Basil Lemonade: Your New Favorite Summer Beverage

Jump to Recipe

Basil lemonade! This special homemade lemonade recipe is flavored with fresh basil. I was skeptical when I first tried it, but I was quickly converted. Basil is no longer destined only for pizza or spaghetti sauce in my house. To me, basil lemonade is one of my absolute favorite summertime drinks. I make it several times every summer and grow plenty of basil in my garden just for this delicious lemonade recipe. I’ve shared homemade basil lemonade with many friends, and they all enjoy it. You’ve gotta try it next time you’re looking for a cool drink on a hot day.

This basil lemonade recipe uses simple ingredients and easy methods to create a wonderfully refreshing drink. The basil flavor pairs beautifully with fresh lemon juice. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up leftover basil or even experiment with other fresh herbs. This recipe uses the classic Genovese basil, but you could use Thai basil or lemon basil for a different twist, or even try a blackberry basil lemonade for a fruity variation!

(These are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, if you purchase through one of my links, I may make a small commission at no cost to yourself.)

Mesh Strainer: https://amzn.to/4c3NnwI
Flip Top Bottles: https://amzn.to/3Vi8PHa
Citrus Juicer: https://amzn.to/4en0bjo

• 1 cup packed basil leaves
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 cups lemon juice
• 6 cups water, divided

Instructions:

• Add sugar to two cups of the water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add basil and boil for 1-2 minutes until sugar is dissolved and the mixture is syrupy. This basil simple syrup is my favorite way to infuse lemonade with fresh herbs. You can substitute other herbs or fruits at this step if you like to experiment.

• Remove from heat and cover. Steep for 30 minutes or more to really develop the basil flavor.
• Meanwhile, squeeze 1 1/2 cups of fresh lemon juice using a citrus juicer. Optionally, add a little lemon zest for extra brightness. In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice with four cups of cold water.

• Place a strainer over the lemon juice mixture and pour the basil syrup through it into the pitcher. Stir the mixture and chill before serving. Pour over ice cubes for the perfect drink on a hot day.

Tips:

• Keep leftover lemonade refrigerated.
• Double this recipe for a big batch, perfect for a backyard barbecue.
• Store your homemade basil lemonade in glass flip-top bottles for easy pouring and a cute presentation.

The only thing better than drinking this unique lemonade is sharing it with friends. Enjoy this basil twist on homemade lemonade anytime you need a little bit of summer in your glass.