Strawberry Basil Lemonade: A Taste of Spring
Vibrant Spring Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Discover how to make a delightful beverage without any pre-made strawberry syrup! This Strawberry Basil Lemonade is a celebration of spring, combining the sweet, vibrant red of fresh strawberries with the refreshing, green aroma of basil. The visual appeal is stunning, with a beautiful color that matches its exquisite taste. The unique blend of sweet and tart strawberries with the subtle, earthy notes of basil creates a truly captivating lemonade. Embrace the fresh combination of fruit and herbs for a delightful new drink experience.
Ingredients (for 270ml serving)- 5 fresh strawberries (approx. 60g)
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves
- 1/8 slice of lemon (approx. 20g)
- 1 Tbsp unrefined sugar
- 125ml sparkling water
- 60g ice cubes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the fresh strawberries. Remove the green tops. Set aside half a strawberry for garnish later. Chop the remaining strawberries into small pieces, making them easy to muddle, and place them in your serving glass.
Step 2
Add 1 tablespoon of unrefined sugar and the lemon slice to the glass with the chopped strawberries. The sugar will help draw out the strawberry’s natural sweetness, while the lemon adds a bright, zesty note.
Step 3
Using a muddler (or the end of a wooden spoon), gently press down on the strawberries and lemon slice with the sugar. The goal is to break down the strawberries into a pulpy consistency, ensuring small fruit pieces won’t clog a straw. The sugar granules will aid in the mashing process.
Step 4
To enhance the basil’s aromatic oils, gently clap the basil leaves between your palms or lightly rub them with the back of a spoon. This quick action releases their fragrant essence, preparing them to infuse the drink beautifully.
Step 5
Add the prepared basil leaves to the glass. Gently muddle them once more with the muddler to fully release their fresh, herbaceous aroma into the strawberry mixture. Be careful not to over-muddle, as this can sometimes release a bitter taste.
Step 6
Next, fill the glass generously with 60g of ice cubes. Plenty of ice will keep your lemonade refreshingly cold for longer.
Step 7
Pour 125ml of chilled sparkling water over the ice, filling the glass. The effervescence of the sparkling water will complement the sweet and tart flavors, making the lemonade extra refreshing. You can adjust the amount of sparkling water to your preference.
Step 8
Finally, garnish your Strawberry Basil Lemonade with the reserved fresh strawberry slice and a fresh basil leaf. Admire your beautiful, handcrafted spring beverage before taking your first delightful sip!
