When it comes to picnics, nothing beats a cool and refreshing beverage to quench your thirst. Step away from the ordinary and elevate your picnic experience with a delightful twist on a classic: Basil Lemonade. This herb-infused lemonade offers a unique blend of zesty citrus and fragrant basil, creating a refreshing drink that will tickle your taste buds and leave you feeling rejuvenated. In this blog post, we not only share the basic basil lemonade recipe but also explore variations using alternative sweeteners, allowing you to customize this picnic-perfect beverage to your liking.
Use these sophisticated glass, swing top bottles to store your lemonade.
Basil Lemonade Recipe: Ingredients:
- 4-5 fresh lemons, juiced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups cold water
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh basil sprigs and lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions:
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In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1 cup of water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely. This will create a simple syrup. Remove from heat and let it cool.
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In a pitcher, combine the lemon juice, simple syrup, and the remaining 3 cups of cold water. Stir well to combine.
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Add the torn basil leaves to the pitcher and gently muddle them with a wooden spoon to release their aromatic oils.
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Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
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When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the basil lemonade over the ice. Garnish with fresh basil sprigs and lemon slices.
These glass carafes make it easy to take your lemonade to a cozy sitting place.
Variations with Alternative Sweeteners:
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Honey Basil Lemonade: Replace the granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey for a natural and subtly sweet version of basil lemonade. Adjust the amount of honey according to your desired level of sweetness.
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Agave Basil Lemonade: For a vegan-friendly option, swap the sugar with agave nectar. Use the same measurement as the granulated sugar, and taste as you go to achieve your preferred level of sweetness.
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Stevia Basil Lemonade: If you prefer a low-calorie alternative, substitute the sugar with liquid or powdered stevia. Start with a small amount and gradually increase to reach your desired sweetness, as stevia can be quite potent.
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Maple Basil Lemonade: For a touch of richness and depth, replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup. Use an equal amount as the sugar, and adjust according to your taste.
Elevate your picnic beverage game with a refreshing basil lemonade that combines the tangy goodness of lemons with the aromatic charm of basil. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey, agave, stevia, or maple syrup, this basil lemonade will be a crowd-pleasing drink that adds a burst of flavor to your outdoor gatherings. So, pack your picnic basket, prepare a pitcher of basil lemonade, and savor the delightful combination of citrus and herbs on a sunny day.