Short description
Strawberry Basil Lemonade pairs ripe, sweet strawberries with aromatic basil and fresh lemon juice to create a vibrant, lightly herbaceous drink that looks as delightful as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Highlights seasonal strawberries and garden basil for peak flavour.
A simple homemade syrup delivers vivid colour without artificial dyes.
Easy to scale for picnics, brunches, and summer parties.
Customisable: adjust sweetness, swap herbs, or add a splash of spirits for an adult version.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
Granulated sugar (or preferred liquid sweetener)
Fresh basil leaves, gently torn
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 6–8 medium lemons)
Cold still or sparkling water
Ice cubes, plus extra strawberries and basil sprigs for garnish

Directions

Prepare the strawberry-basil syrup
Combine strawberries, sugar, 240 ml water, and basil in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, gently mashing the berries as they soften. Remove from the heat, let steep 10 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve and refrigerate until chilled.
Mix the lemonade
In a large pitcher, stir together the lemon juice and 960 ml cold water. Add the cooled syrup and mix well. Taste and adjust with extra water for a lighter drink or additional sugar for more sweetness.
Serve
Fill glasses with ice, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with sliced strawberries and fresh basil sprigs. Serve immediately or refrigerate until thoroughly chilled.

Servings and timing

Yield: 6 servings (about 1½ litres)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Sparkling version: Replace still water with sparkling water just before serving for an effervescent finish.
Honey or agave syrup: Substitute an equal volume of honey or agave for a different sweetness profile.
Cocktail twist: Add 30–45 ml of vodka, gin, or white rum per glass for a refreshing summer cocktail.
Different fruit or herbs: Swap in raspberries, blackberries, or peaches, or replace basil with mint or a basil-mint blend for a new flavour spin.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate the lemonade in a covered pitcher for up to 5 days; flavour is best within the first 48 hours. Freeze excess syrup in ice-cube trays for up to 2 months and thaw as needed. Reheating is unnecessary; simply stir chilled lemonade before pouring, as natural solids may settle.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw them first, then proceed with the syrup; the flavour remains bright.

How do I keep the basil flavour vibrant?

Add a few fresh basil leaves to the pitcher just before serving; prolonged storage can mute herbal notes.

Can I make the syrup in advance?

The strawberry-basil syrup keeps refrigerated for 5 days or frozen for 2 months. Mix with lemon juice and water when ready to serve.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Stir in additional simple syrup or sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until the balance of sweet and tart suits your taste.

What alcohol pairs best with this lemonade?

Vodka for a neutral kick, gin for botanical notes, or white rum for a light tropical feel.

Is straining the syrup mandatory?

No. If you prefer a rustic texture, skip straining; the drink will be cloudier but still delicious.

Can I replace basil with another herb?

Mint, lemon verbena, or even thyme offer refreshing alternatives to basil.

How long does freshly squeezed lemon juice keep?

When refrigerated in an airtight container, fresh lemon juice maintains its flavour for about 3 days.

Can I cut down the sugar?

Yes. Reduce the sugar in the syrup or substitute a calorie-free sweetener, adjusting to taste.

How do I serve a crowd?

Prepare the syrup and lemon base a day ahead, then combine with chilled water in a beverage dispenser just before guests arrive.

Conclusion

Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a simple yet sophisticated refreshment that celebrates the best flavours of summer. Whether poured over ice for an afternoon treat or elevated with bubbles and spirits for an evening gathering, this versatile recipe is sure to become a warm-weather favourite.