Fresh Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe Easy 3-Ingredient Summer Refresher
A simple, refreshing summer drink made with fresh strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and water. This easy 3-ingredient lemonade is bright, sweet-tart, and herbaceous, perfect for cooling down on warm days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 150 grams), hulled and quartered
- 6 to 8 fresh basil leaves, washed and slightly torn
- 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons or 45 ml juice), freshly squeezed
- 3 cups cold water (720 ml), filtered or spring water
- Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the strawberries under cold water, remove the green tops, and quarter them.
- Wash and gently tear the basil leaves to help release their aroma.
- Juice the lemon until you have about 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of juice, straining out seeds if needed.
- Place the quartered strawberries and torn basil leaves in a sturdy pitcher or bowl.
- Use a muddler or wooden spoon to gently press and crush them together to release juices and oils. Avoid over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
- Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, then add 3 cups (720 ml) of cold water.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Taste and add a touch of honey or sugar if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately with ice cubes.
- Before serving, give the lemonade a quick stir and garnish with a basil leaf or a thin lemon slice.
Notes
Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for best natural sweetness. Avoid over-muddling basil to prevent bitterness. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred over bottled. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes for best flavor or serve immediately with ice. Optional additions include honey, agave, or sparkling water for fizz. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces (240 ml)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, refreshing beverage, easy lemonade recipe, 3-ingredient lemonade, fresh lemonade, healthy drink