how2heroes » Basil Lemonade

Beverages » Basil Lemonade

Kristi McNeil of Tupelo restaurant jazzes up fresh lemonade with fragrant basil simple syrup. Basil leaves are simmered in sugar and water to extract their garden-fresh herbaceous nuance. The syrup is used to sweeten freshly squeezed lemon juice and water. This refreshing beverage is perfect to make in bulk and store in a pitcher for unexpected guests, or to have on hand for leisurely sipping on a back porch summer day.

Print Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

Basil Simple Syrup

2½ cups fresh basil
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water

For Lemonade

10 oz freshly-squeezed lemon juice
12 oz water
10 oz basil syrup (recipe above)
ice

Garnish

lemon wheels
basil leaves

How-to

Make Basil Simple Syrup

Combine sugar, basil and water in sauce pan over medium heat and bring to a boil
Boil for 15-20 min and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes
Strain syrup and chill. If you don't use it right away, you can store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to a month

Make Lemonade

Mix the basil simple syrup with water and fresh lemon juice (adjust amounts of syrup and lemon juice to taste)
Pour over a pitcher filled with ice
Garnish with fresh basil leaves & lemon wheels