Go Back
basil lemonade in a pitcher + in glasses
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Basil Lemonade

This quick and easy basil lemonade uses fresh basil from the garden to make a refreshing summer drink. Add a little bourbon or gin to make a cocktail!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 137kcal

Ingredients

Basil Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed + rinsed

Lemonade:

  • 6-8 lemons (approx. 1 cup fresh lemon juice), plus 1 more for garnish (sliced and deseeded)
  • 4 cups water
  • optional: handful fresh basil leaves

Optional Hard Lemonade Add-Ins:

  • 9-12 oz bourbon, gin, or vodka, depending on desired alcohol content (optionally, add 1-½ to 2 oz alcohol per 8 oz of lemonade)

Instructions

  • Make simple syrup by adding sugar, basil and 1 cup water to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, and then remove from heat. Set syrup aside and allow it to cool.
    Sweeten the Lemonade with Mint Syrup
  • Meanwhile, juice lemons until you have about 1 cup of juice. Pour juice into pitcher, and add 4 cups of cold water. 
    Juice the Lemons
  • Strain the basil out of the syrup. Add half the cooled syrup, and taste the lemonade.  Add the remaining syrup if desired.
    Tip: Store any leftover syrup in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a month.  
    Sweeten the Lemonade with Mint Syrup
  • Serve in a pitcher, or in glasses filled with ice.  Garnish glasses with fresh mint.
    If serving hard, add liquor to pitcher, or add to individual glasses as serving.
    mint lemonade in glasses

Notes

Makes about six 8-oz servings
To use dried basil: Make sure the dried mint is still fragrant.  Use about ⅓ cup dried mint instead of 1 cup fresh mint.
Recipe variation: Swap the water for sparkling water.  Serve immediately.
Nutrition information does not include optional alcohol.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Potassium: 41mg | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin C: 15.8mg | Calcium: 2mg