Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade
A refreshing homemade lemonade infused with fresh strawberries and basil leaves to celebrate summer gatherings. This american-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 15 minutes brings together fresh strawberries, leaves fresh basil leaves, (about 5 lemons) fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 90 calories and feeds 6, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 10 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup (about 5 lemons) fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups ice cubes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a blender, combine 1 cup fresh strawberries and 1 cup water; blend for 30 seconds until smooth.
- Step 2: Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher to remove seeds, pressing with a spoon to extract all juice.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, remaining 4 cups water, and 10 fresh basil leaves to the pitcher. Stir thoroughly until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 4: Refrigerate the lemonade for at least 1 hour to allow the basil to infuse and flavors to meld.
- Step 5: Before serving, fill glasses with 1/2 cup ice cubes and pour the strawberry basil lemonade over the ice.
- Step 6: Garnish each glass with a basil leaf and a sliced strawberry if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade?
Refrigerate any leftover strawberry and basil infused lemonade in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry and Basil Infused Lemonade?
American cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
