Are you tired of the same old lemonade recipe? Look no further! This summer, shake things up with one of our 18 refreshing basil lemonade recipes that add a twist to this classic drink. From sweet and fruity flavors like Strawberry Basil Lemonade Slush and Peach Basil Lemonade Iced Tea, to tangy and savory options like Spicy Ginger Basil Lemonade and Cucumber Basil Lemonade Cooler, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re in the mood for something bubbly and fun, like Sparkling Basil Lemonade with Honey or Lavender Basil Lemonade Spritzer, or something smooth and creamy, like Pineapple Basil Lemonade Smoothie or Vanilla Basil Lemonade Cream Soda, we’ve got you covered. And don’t worry if you’re not a fan of basil – many of these recipes can be easily adapted to use other herbs and flavors.
So grab some lemons, fresh basil, and your favorite mix-ins, and get ready to quench your thirst with one (or two, or three…) of our deliciously refreshing basil lemonade recipes.
Sparkling Basil Lemonade with Honey
This sweet and tangy drink is perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing evening at home. The combination of fresh basil, lemon juice, and honey creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup honey
– 4 cups sparkling water
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and honey until the honey is fully dissolved.
2. Add the fresh basil leaves to the pitcher and muddle them gently with a spoon to release their oils and flavor.
3. Stir in the sparkling water.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with additional basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required! This drink is ready when you are.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Slush
Beat the heat with this sweet and tangy slush that combines the flavors of strawberries, basil, and lemonade. Perfect for a hot summer day or a backyard BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1 cup ice
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the strawberries and basil leaves until smooth.
2. Add the lemonade and blend until well combined.
3. Add the ice and blend until slushy.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness with honey if desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Spicy Ginger Basil Lemonade
This spicy and tangy lemonade is perfect for warm weather, with the added bonus of ginger’s digestive benefits. The basil adds a bright and herbaceous note that complements the citrus perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Slice the ginger into thin strips and add them to the pitcher. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, stir in fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None
Cucumber Basil Lemonade Cooler
Beat the heat with this refreshing twist on classic lemonade! This cucumber basil lemonade cooler is perfect for a summer gathering or a quick pick-me-up on a hot day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
4. Just before serving, add sliced cucumber and fresh basil leaves to the pitcher.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Serve chilled over ice cubes and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! Simply mix and chill.
Blueberry Basil Lemonade Infusion
This refreshing drink combines the sweetness of blueberries with the brightness of lemon and the subtlety of basil, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine blueberries and basil leaves.
2. Add water to the pitcher and let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into another pitcher, discarding the solids.
4. Stir in lemon juice and honey (if using).
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Peach Basil Lemonade Iced Tea
This sweet and tangy tea combines the flavors of peaches, basil, and lemonade for a unique and refreshing twist on a classic iced tea. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a relaxing pick-me-up anytime.
Ingredients:
– 1 quart water
– 4 black tea bags (brewed)
– 2 ripe peaches, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1 cup lemonade (homemade or store-bought)
– Ice cubes
– Honey or sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew the tea according to package instructions.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the brewed tea and diced peaches. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Remove the peaches from the pitcher and add the chopped basil leaves. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the lemonade and stir gently.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
6. Serve over ice and sweeten with honey or sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready when you are.
Lavender Basil Lemonade Spritzer
This sweet and tangy spritzer combines the brightness of lemonade with the floral charm of lavender and the herbaceousness of basil. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique drink to serve at your next brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 4 cups sparkling water
– 1/4 cup dried lavender buds
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
2. Add dried lavender buds to the pitcher and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Just before serving, add fresh basil leaves to the pitcher and stir gently.
4. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Lavender Basil Lemonade Spritzer over the ice.
5. Top each glass off with sparkling water.
6. Garnish with additional basil leaves and a sprig of lavender, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Minty Basil Lemonade with Lime
Beat the heat with this unique and tantalizing twist on traditional lemonade, infused with the cooling essence of mint and the bright flavor of basil, finished with a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Add the fresh mint and basil leaves to the pitcher and muddle gently with a spoon or mortar and pestle to release their flavors and oils.
4. Stir in the lime juice.
5. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Serve the lemonade over ice and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 hours, 30 minutes (chilling time)
Watermelon Basil Lemonade Punch
Beat the heat with this unique and flavorful punch that combines sweet watermelon, tangy lemonade, and the brightness of fresh basil. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or summer barbecues!
Ingredients:
– 3 cups watermelon chunks
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cups lemon-lime soda
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
2. In a large pitcher, mix together the lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
3. Add the lemon-lime soda and stir to combine.
4. Stir in the blended watermelon and chopped basil leaves.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving over ice.
Cooking Time: None! This punch is ready to serve right away.
Rosemary Basil Lemonade Fizz
Elevate your summer sipping game with this unique and flavorful lemonade recipe that combines the herbal notes of rosemary and basil with the brightness of citrus.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. Add chopped rosemary and basil leaves to the pitcher. Let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator to allow the herbal flavors to meld with the lemonade.
4. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the herbs. Discard the solids.
5. Chill the lemonade thoroughly before serving.
6. To serve, pour the lemonade into glasses filled with ice and top off with sparkling water.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (infusion time)
Pineapple Basil Lemonade Smoothie
This sweet and tangy smoothie combines the brightness of lemonade with the tropical flavors of pineapple and the subtle freshness of basil. Perfect for hot summer days or as a unique twist on a classic drink.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine pineapple chunks, lemon juice, and honey.
2. Add the Greek yogurt and blend until smooth.
3. Add the ice-cold water and blend until combined.
4. Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
6. Pour into glasses and serve immediately. You can add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (depending on your blender)
Vanilla Basil Lemonade Cream Soda
This unique cream soda recipe combines the brightness of lemonade with the subtlety of vanilla and basil, creating a refreshing summer drink that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups lemonade
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tbsp dried basil leaves
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
– Sparkling water
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemonade and heavy cream. Stir until the cream is fully incorporated.
2. Add vanilla extract and stir to combine.
3. Add dried basil leaves and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Just before serving, add sugar (if using) and stir until dissolved.
5. Top with sparkling water and serve chilled.
Cooking Time: None
Tips:
– Adjust the amount of basil to your taste.
– For a stronger vanilla flavor, use 1-2 tsp extract.
– Experiment with different types of milk or cream alternatives for variations.
Raspberry Basil Lemonade Slushie
Beat the heat with this unique and delicious slushie recipe that combines sweet raspberries, fragrant basil, and tangy lemonade. Perfect for hot summer days or as a refreshing pick-me-up any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1 cup ice
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine raspberries, basil leaves, and lemonade.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and well combined.
3. Add ice to the blender and continue blending until slushy consistency is reached.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding honey if desired.
5. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None required! Just blend and enjoy.
Lemongrass Basil Lemonade Iced Tea
Escape the ordinary with this unique and revitalizing iced tea recipe, combining the brightness of lemongrass and basil with a squeeze of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup dried lemongrass leaves (or 2 stalks fresh lemongrass)
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add the lemon juice, dried lemongrass (or fresh stalks), and basil leaves. Let steep for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. Strain the tea into a large pitcher or individual glasses.
4. If desired, stir in honey until dissolved.
5. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving over ice.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (steeping time) + chilling time
Grapefruit Basil Lemonade Spritz
This refreshing spritz combines the tanginess of grapefruit and lemon with the subtle sweetness of basil, perfect for warm weather gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a unique and delicious drink that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemonade
– 1 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
– Slices of grapefruit for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a large pitcher with ice cubes.
2. Pour in the lemonade and grapefruit juice, stirring gently to combine.
3. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir again to distribute evenly.
4. Top with sparkling water and stir once more.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice in tall glasses, garnished with additional grapefruit slices if desired.
Cooking Time: None!
Blackberry Basil Lemonade Mocktail
This refreshing mocktail combines the sweetness of blackberries with the brightness of lemon and the subtle flavor of basil, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a relaxing afternoon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh blackberries
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 cup sparkling water
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
– Lemon slices or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle the blackberries with a spoon to release their juice and pulp.
2. Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and sparkling water. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the chopped basil leaves and stir gently to distribute evenly.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with a lemon slice or basil leaf, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Chamomile Basil Lemonade Cooler
A refreshing twist on classic lemonade, this Chamomile Basil Lemonade Cooler combines the soothing properties of chamomile with the bright flavors of basil and lemon. Perfect for a warm day or a relaxing evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup honey syrup (1:1 honey and water, dissolved)
– 4 cups sparkling water
– 1/4 cup dried chamomile flowers
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and honey syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Add the dried chamomile flowers to the pitcher and let steep for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Just before serving, add the fresh basil leaves to the pitcher and muddle gently with a spoon to release oils and flavors.
4. Add sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
5. Serve chilled over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus steeping time)
Tropical Basil Lemonade with Coconut
Escape to a tropical paradise with this unique and refreshing lemonade recipe that combines the sweetness of coconut, the brightness of basil, and the tanginess of lemon.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup shredded young coconut
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, mix together lemon juice and sugar until dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine shredded coconut and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
4. Add the coconut-basil mixture to the lemonade and stir gently.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed! Just chill and serve.
Summary
Get ready to quench your thirst with a twist of flavor! This article presents 18 refreshing basil lemonade recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride. From classic Sparkling Basil Lemonade with Honey to innovative combinations like Spicy Ginger Basil Lemonade and Watermelon Basil Lemonade Punch, there’s something for everyone. Discover the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of herbal freshness. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing summer drink or a unique twist on traditional lemonade, these recipes are sure to impress!
