Description
Quench your thirst with our tasty basil blueberry lemonade recipe! This step-by-step guide helps you create the best flavor for a refreshing summer drink.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5–6 cups filtered water (divided)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 1.5 cups freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 6–8 lemons)
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Blueberry-Basil Simple Syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup water. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves and blueberries burst (5-7 mins). Remove from heat. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves and gently muddle for 30 seconds. Let infuse for 30-60 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing solids, then cool completely.
- Step 2: Extract Lemon Juice. Roll lemons, then squeeze to yield 1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove pulp and seeds.
- Step 3: Combine Lemonade Base. In a large pitcher, combine cooled blueberry-basil simple syrup, 1.5 cups fresh lemon juice, and 4-5 cups cold filtered water. Stir well. Taste and adjust sweetness/tartness as desired.
- Step 4: Chill and Serve. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (preferably overnight) for flavors to meld. Serve over generous amounts of ice, garnished with fresh blueberries, lemon slices, and a basil sprig.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes