Description
A refreshing sparkling strawberry basil lemonade made with fresh strawberries, homemade basil syrup, tangy lemon juice, and bubbly sparkling water. Perfect for warm summer days and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (about 3 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 10 to 12 fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, honey, or agave nectar
- 1 cup water
- 3 to 4 cups chilled sparkling water, club soda, or sparkling mineral water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh strawberry slices, for garnish
- Fresh basil sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the water, sugar, and 1 cup of sliced strawberries in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove from the heat and add the basil leaves.
- Lightly press the basil with a spoon and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Discard the basil leaves.
- Transfer the syrup, remaining strawberries, and lemon juice to a blender.
- Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher.
- Refrigerate the concentrate for at least 30 minutes.
- Fill serving glasses with ice.
- Pour the chilled concentrate halfway into each glass.
- Top with sparkling water and stir gently.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and basil sprigs before serving.
Notes
For the brightest flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and ripe strawberries. Add the sparkling water just before serving to keep the lemonade bubbly and refreshing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 118
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg