Basil Lemonade [+ Flavor Variations]

This easy 4-ingredient basil lemonade is packed with fresh, herbaceous flavor and is a total crowd-pleaser for summer get-togethers! Enjoy it plain or try more flavor variations below and enjoy in just 10 minutes.

The summer sun is shining, and there’s an abundance of fresh basil growing in our gardens – making it the perfect time to pull together large batches of fresh basil pesto, basil salad dressing, and this super refreshing recipe for basil lemonade!

While you may think of this herb primarily in savory uses (like to garnish pasta), aromatic basil pairs amazingly with the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon and a touch of sweetness to pull together a harmonious, unique (and delicious!) summer sipper. Plus, the combination of basil and lemon also contains a heap of health benefits.

Better yet, this easy basil lemonade recipe is easily customizable. Whether you want to prepare the recipe as written or experiment with add-ins to create fun variations like strawberry basil lemonade and more.

All you need to do is prepare the basil simple syrup, add the lemon juice and remaining water, and enjoy (leave it to infuse for a bit for even better flavor)! It’s the perfect addition poolside, on a porch swing, at picnics, or even BBQs – ready to enjoy with vegan burgers, vegan brisket, plant-based hotdogs, and more.

The Ingredients

• Lemons: Use Meyer lemons for the sweetest, most flavorful homemade lemonade.
• Water: For a regular basil lemonade recipe, use still, filtered water. Alternatively, use sparkling water if preferred.
• Sweetener: We used brown sugar, though it’s possible to use other granulated or liquid sweeteners (like agave), or even a sugar alternative, like erythritol.
• Basil leaves: Make sure to use fresh, vibrant, and aromatic leaves.

What Else Could I Add?

• Other citrus: You could play with making basil limeade, add orange juice, etc.
• Fruits: There are several fruits that you can muddle or blend (and optionally strain) then add to the homemade lemonade, like strawberry basil lemonade, or other fruits like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, watermelon, peach, pineapple, or mango. Add 1-2 cups of fruit. Garnish with more fresh fruit in the pitcher.
• Basil mint lemonade: Use equal parts fresh mint and basil in the syrup.
• Ginger: For aromatic basil ginger lemonade, add some ginger coins to the basil syrup or mince it directly into the lemonade.
• Chia seeds: Add ¼ cup chia seeds to this lemonade and leave it to chill for several hours for added texture and protein.
• Ice: Optional – for serving.

How to Make Fresh Basil Lemonade

• 1) First, combine the sugar, water, basil (muddle it first for extra flavor), and one cup of water in a saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

• 2) Then remove it from the heat and allow it to steep and cool for 20-30 minutes.

• 3) Meanwhile, juice the lemons (by hand, with a fork, or a juicer – manual or electric). Then strain the basil syrup into a pitcher and add the remaining water, lemon juice, and stir.

To get the most juice out of the lemons, it can help to microwave them for 15-25 seconds, then roll them firmly back and forth against the countertop.

• 4) Finally, taste the basil lemonade and add more sugar or lemon if preferred. Then either leave it to ‘infuse’ for 30 minutes first or serve immediately!

To serve over ice, it’s better to add the ice to the glasses rather than the pitcher so you don’t water down the entire batch of lemonade. For more aromatic flavor, gently muddle a few basil leaves into the bottom of the pitcher/each glass.

FAQs

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

• Adjust the ratios: When making homemade lemonade, you can easily adjust the amount of sweetener and lemon juice to your liking.
• Chill before serving: For the best flavor, allow the lemonade to rest in the refrigerator for an hour before serving.
• Add fresh basil to serve: They should be gently muddled, but not overly so (or they can become bitter), then added to the pitcher or glasses when serving for heaps of extra aromatic smell and flavor.
• Make popsicles: Yes, you can turn this basil lemonade into delicious, refreshing popsicles, too, by pouring it into popsicle molds.
• When serving a crowd: Optionally set up a lemonade ‘bar.’ Add the various optional fruits alongside the pitcher of basil lemonade so your guests can create their desired flavor profile.

More Fun Vegan Drinks

• Cucumber watermelon lemonade
• Refreshing mango bubble tea
• Watermelon cooler
• Green milk tea
• Kale pineapple smoothie
• Orange creamsicle smoothie
• Fresh watermelon slushie

Or enjoy browsing our entire collection of budget-friendly vegan drink recipes!

Photos by Alfonso Revilla