Basil Lemonade

Basil lemonade is a favorite in our house during the summer. It’s so refreshing and very easy to make using my basil simple syrup recipe , which is also great for drizzling over fruit salads.

While this is a small batch recipe that serves 4, you can easily scale it up as needed to serve at your next summer gathering. The key is making the basil simple syrup first, which infuses the drink with fresh herb flavor without any bitterness.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

• Only 4 ingredients to make this refreshing summer drink.
• Great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden before they go to waste.
• Make it ahead and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for parties.
• Easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you’re serving.

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

• Basil Leaves – Look for fresh, vibrant green basil leaves without any brown spots or wilting. If you’re harvesting from your own plant, pick the leaves just before you’re ready to use them for maximum flavor.
• Lemons – You’ll need 1 cup of lemon juice, which typically requires 5-6 large lemons. Smaller lemons may require more to reach 1 cup. Before juicing, zest your lemons and save the zest for other recipes.
• Granulated Sugar – Essential for making simple syrup. Avoid using brown or coconut sugar as they will darken the syrup and affect the lemonade’s color.
• Water – Use filtered water for the best taste. For a sparkling version, replace some or all of the water with sparkling water just before serving.

Try These Herb Variations

While basil is fantastic, you can also make this recipe with fresh mint for mint lemonade or fresh rosemary for a more earthy, herbal twist. Use the same amount of herbs and follow the same simple syrup method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

It’s very easy to make basil lemonade at home. It’s great to make ahead for parties and you only need a handful of ingredients. The below photos with matching steps are not meant to be the full recipe, but are there to help you see the recipe made at various stages so you can make it perfectly the first time and every time!

For the ingredient list with measurements, full instructions, printable recipe, and additional notes, please scroll down to the recipe card.

In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and basil leaves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain the basil leaves from the syrup. Add the basil simple syrup to a large pitcher. Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice to the pitcher. Top it off with water and stir with a wooden spoon until combined. Let the mixture chill in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. Pour the lemonade over ice and garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

No. Fresh basil is essential for this recipe because it provides a vibrant, aromatic flavor. Dried basil will not give you the same fresh taste.

How can I make a sparkling version?

Replace some or all of the water with sparkling water. Add the sparkling water just before serving to maintain the fizz.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended. Bottled lemon juice can have an off taste (slightly metalic), and since lemon is the star of lemonade, fresh is worth it.

Expert Tips

• Zest your lemons before juicing. Store the zest in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. You’ll have it ready for baking recipes like my gluten-free lemon brownies .
• Add garnishes just before serving. Fresh basil leaves or lemon slices should be added right before serving so the basil stays green and fresh.
• Taste and adjust. Start with 3 cups of water and add more if the concentrate is too strong. If it’s too weak, add another 2-4 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• Make basil ice cubes. Freeze some basil leaves in your ice cubes for extra herb flavor as they melt.

Storage instructions

• Storage: Keep the lemonade refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To avoid diluting the flavor, wait to add ice until just before serving.
• Freezer Option: You can freeze lemonade, though I would recommend freezing the lemonade concentrate before adding in the additional 4 cups of water. Pour the lemonade concentrate into a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Alternatively, you can freeze the concentrate in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag for quicker defrosting. Defrost in the refrigerator, then add 4 cups of water to serve.

Serving suggestions

Serve this basil lemonade at your next summer barbecue alongside burrata caprese or watermelon salsa with chips. It pairs well with easy ground beef tacos for taco night or mini beef taco cups at potlucks. If you want to offer guests a variety of drinks, serve alongside cucumber lemonade .

More gluten-free beverages to try

All Drinks

• 

  Basil Lemonade

• 

  Basil Simple Syrup

• 

  Cucumber Lemonade

Did you make this recipe?

I’d love to know! Please rate it and leave a comment below. You can also share your pictures and tag @adashofmegnut on Instagram.