Vegan Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe
Summer is calling, and what better way to answer than with a refreshing and vibrant Vegan Strawberry Basil Lemonade? This delightful drink is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and herbaceous, making it an ideal thirst quencher for those hot days. Plus, it’s completely vegan and easy to make with simple ingredients!
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Naturally Sweetened: We use fresh strawberries to provide a natural sweetness, meaning less added sugar!
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: This recipe is perfect for everyone to enjoy!
- Easy to Make: Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a pitcher of delicious lemonade.
- Unique Flavor: The basil adds a sophisticated and unexpected twist to the classic strawberry lemonade.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-8 lemons)
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 6 cups water
- Ice, for serving
- Optional: Strawberry slices and basil sprigs, for garnish
Instructions:
- Blend the strawberries and basil: In a blender, combine the strawberries and basil leaves. Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture: Pour the strawberry-basil puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large pitcher. Discard the solids. This step ensures a smooth lemonade.
- Add lemon juice and sweetener: Stir in the lemon juice and agave nectar (or maple syrup). Start with 1/2 cup of agave and adjust to your desired sweetness.
- Add water: Pour in the water and stir well to combine.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over ice with strawberry slices and basil sprigs for garnish, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the lemonade and add more agave nectar or maple syrup as needed.
- Use frozen strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen. Thaw them slightly before blending.
- Infuse the water: For an extra layer of flavor, infuse the water with cucumber or mint before adding it to the lemonade.
- Sparkling lemonade: Substitute sparkling water for regular water for a bubbly twist.
Enjoy your homemade Vegan Strawberry Basil Lemonade! It’s the perfect summer drink to share with friends and family. Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make it!
Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries, Fresh basil leaves, Fresh lemon juice, Agave nectar or maple syrup, Water, Ice, Strawberry slices, Basil sprigs
Tags:
Vegan, Strawberry, Basil, Lemonade, Drink, Recipe, Summer, Refreshing, Beverage, Agave, Maple Syrup, Gluten-Free, Naturally Sweetened, Homemade, Cocktail, Non-Alcoholic, Fruit Drink