Fresh Basil Lemonade

After all your comments on yesterday’s Instagram post, I figured it’s about time to post this recipe! Adding basil is a quick way to spruce up a classic lemonade. It’s easily my favourite go-to summer drink.

I picked up my handheld press at Homesense for around $50 and chose it because it looks great on my counter, next to our mixer. Luckily, there are plenty of great juicing options for all kinds of budgets. (I added a few at the end of the post… check out that copper juice press!!)

Basil Lemonade Recipe

 

Basil Lemonade Recipe

Fresh Basil Lemonade
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Makes 6 – 8 glasses


Ingredients
For the simple syrup:

1 1/2 cup of organic unrefined cane sugar
1 cup of water

For the lemonade:
1 1/4 cups of freshly squeezed lemon juice
7–8 cups of fresh filtered water
Handful of fresh basil leaves (Roughly chopped, if desired)

Directions
For the simple syrup:
Simple syrup is so versatile and easy to whip up. It’s great to have in your fridge – a perfect ingredient for cocktails and fresh lemonade. It will keep in a covered container in the fridge for up to one month.

Place the sugar and water in a medium sized pot. Bring to a boil. Take it off the heat and let it cool. (All you’re trying to do is dissolve the sugar.)

For the lemonade:
In a large pitcher, mix the syrup, fresh lemon juice, basil, and fresh filtered water until combined. Let it sit for about 20–30 minutes in order for the basil to infuse into the lemonade. Add fresh ice cubes or crushed ice immediately before serving.

Options
This would be delicious with freshly squeezed grapefruit juice or an equal mixture of grapefruit and lemon juice.
If you’re looking for a sugar-free alternative, you can dissolve approx. 1–2 Tbsp. of stevia in the filtered water before adding it to the lemon juice and basil. Prepare following the same directions above.

This basil lemonade is so refreshing – perfect for lounging outside on a sunny day! Hope you enjoy it!