# Strawberry Basil Lemonade > Bright, slightly herbaceous strawberry basil lemonade that's perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Fresh strawberries and basil are blended with lemon and a simple syrup for a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing refresher. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/strawberry-basil-lemonade ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: June 24, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe Strawberry Basil Lemonade is the kind of drink that feels homemade in the best possible way: bright and citrusy from fresh lemon, rounded and jammy from ripe strawberries, and lifted by a whisper of herbal basil. The texture is entirely in your control — blend until silky and strain for a polished, seed‑free pitcher, or leave some pulp for a rustic, fuller-bodied refresher. The simple syrup here does double duty, smoothing the strawberry’s acidity and helping the basil oils suspend in the cold liquid, so flavor carries even after dilution with ice. What makes this version work is the short, purposeful basil infusion; tearing or “clapping” the leaves releases the volatile aromatics without pushing the drink into a bitter, leafy territory. It’s adaptable: perfect as a family-friendly cooler at picnics and pool parties, easily stretched with sparkling water for a fizzy sip, or boozed up with gin or prosecco for grown-up gatherings. Small adjustments to syrup, lemon, and water let you tailor sweetness and tartness to the season’s berries and your crowd’s preferences. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 5 minutes - Total Time: 15 minutes - Servings: 8 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Drinks ## Ingredients ### Make simple syrup - 1 cup Granulated sugar - 1 cup Hot water (for simple syrup) ### Puree the strawberries - 2 cups Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved ### Combine lemon and strawberry - 3/4 cup Fresh lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons) ### Infuse with basil - 12 leaves Fresh basil leaves ### Dilute with cold water - 4 cups Cold water ### Serve and garnish - 4 cups Ice - 6 slices Lemon slices and basil sprigs (for garnish) ## Instructions ### 1. Make simple syrup Combine the granulated sugar and hot water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature while you prepare the other components. ### 2. Puree the strawberries Place the hulled and halved strawberries in a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth, about 20–30 seconds. If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds; otherwise keep the pulp for more texture. ### 3. Combine lemon and strawberry In a large pitcher, whisk together the cooled simple syrup, strawberry puree, and fresh lemon juice until evenly combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding a touch more syrup or lemon juice if desired. ### 4. Infuse with basil Lightly tear or clap the basil leaves between your hands to release their oils, then add them to the pitcher. Gently press the leaves against the side of the pitcher with a spoon to further release flavor, letting the mixture sit 5 minutes for a subtle herb infusion. ### 5. Dilute with cold water Add the cold water to the pitcher and stir well to fully integrate the flavors. Chill the lemonade in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes or serve immediately over ice for a slightly more diluted, refreshingly cold drink. ### 6. Serve and garnish Fill glasses with ice and pour the strawberry basil lemonade over the top; garnish each glass with a lemon slice and a basil sprig. For a sparkling variation, top individual glasses with a splash of chilled sparkling water right before serving. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 smoothie): - Calories: 104 kcal - Protein: 0 g - Carbohydrates: 24.9 g - Fat: 0.1 g - Saturated Fat: 0 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 0 g - Sugar: 25.7 g - Added Sugars: 24.9 g - Cholesterol: 0 mg - Sodium: 0 mg - Potassium: 25 mg - Calcium: 2 mg - Iron: 0 mg - Vitamin D: 0 mcg ## Tips ### Use fully ripe strawberries Ripe berries give maximum natural sweetness and color; underripe fruit will need more syrup and taste flat. ### Strain for smoothness If you want a silky lemonade, push the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and large bits before combining. ### Gentle basil infusion Tear or clap leaves to release oils and press them briefly against the pitcher wall — long steeping can make the basil taste medicinal. ### Adjust dilution last Add the cold water (or sparkling water) gradually and taste; ice will dilute further so factor that in when balancing sweetness. ### Make separate components Prepare the simple syrup and strawberry puree ahead and refrigerate separately, then assemble just before serving for freshest flavor. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Sparkling Prosecco Spritz Replace half the cold water with chilled prosecco or sparkling rosé and top each glass just before serving for a celebratory twist. ### Boozy Gin Lemonade Add 1–1.5 ounces gin per serving and stir gently; the herbaceous notes in many gins complement the basil beautifully. ### Low‑Sugar Version Use a 1:1 mix of honey and water, or dissolve a monk fruit/erythritol blend into the hot water for the syrup, then taste and reduce water if needed. ### Frozen Strawberry Slush Blend the prepared lemonade with 3 cups of ice (or frozen strawberries) until slushy for a kid‑friendly frozen treat. ## Notes This lemonade is a great make-ahead option for picnics or backyard parties — the basil adds a bright, adult-friendly twist without overpowering the kids. Serve with a splash of sparkling water for fizz at the table. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store leftover lemonade in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; flavor and brightness will decline after that. Remove the basil leaves before storing to prevent bitterness and browning, and never store with ice in the pitcher — add fresh ice when serving. Stir well before pouring, as fruit solids will settle. ### Serving Suggestions Serve this lemonade alongside grilled chicken kabobs, a citrusy green salad, or a light cheese board with goat cheese and marcona almonds to echo the drink’s bright flavors. For brunch, pair with lemony pancakes or strawberry shortcake; present in tall glasses garnished with a basil sprig and a lemon wheel for instant summer appeal. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes — thaw them first and drain any excess liquid, then proceed with pureeing; you may need slightly less simple syrup because frozen berries can be sweeter when concentrated. ### How long can I make this ahead? You can make the simple syrup and strawberry puree up to 2 days ahead and keep them refrigerated; assemble and add basil and water up to a few hours before serving for best freshness. ### Why does the basil turn bitter sometimes? Over‑macerating or long steeping releases chlorophyll and bitter compounds; keep the infusion short, tear the leaves gently, and discard them before prolonged storage. ### How can I prevent seeds in the drink? Press the puree through a fine mesh sieve with a spatula or ladle — it takes a minute and yields a much smoother mouthfeel without losing fresh strawberry flavor. ### How do I convert this into an adult cocktail? Add 1–1.5 ounces of gin, vodka, or blanco tequila per serving, or replace up to half the water with prosecco; add the alcohol just before serving to preserve the fizz and fresh aromatics. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Watermelon Agua Fresca (Easy Blender Recipe)](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/watermelon-agua-fresca-easy-blender-recipe) - [Bellini Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-peach-bellini) - [Maple Hot Toddy](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/maple-smoked-hot-toddy) - [Low-Sugar Old Fashioned](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/low-sugar-old-fashioned) - [Classic Manhattan Cocktail](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-manhattan-cocktail) - [Non Alcoholic Manhattan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/non-alcoholic-manhattan) - [Trending Grillside Drinks for 2026: Cocktails, Low‑ABV Sippers, and Non‑Alcoholic Pairings to Elevate Backyard BBQ](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-grillside-drinks-2026-cocktails-low-abv-non-alcoholic-pairings) - [Blue Drinks at Home: Natural Color Techniques + 10 Viral Blue Cocktail & Mocktail Recipes](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/blue-drinks-natural-ingredients-10-viral-recipes) - [Gluten-Free Weeknight Grilling Plan](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/gluten-free-weeknight-grilling-plan)