nutritional information

Per 1-cup serving:

  • Calories: 107
  • Protein: <1 g
  • Total Fat: <1 g
  • Saturated Fat: <1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
  • Sodium: <1 mg
  • Fiber: <1 g
  • Sugar: 26 g
Vegan Gluten-Free

Basil Lemonade

Basil Lemonade

Serves 6

30 minutes or fewer

Even in a world of fancy sodas and gourmet iced teas, homemade lemonade will always be a treat. This version gets infused with fresh basil, but you could also use mint, or lesser amounts of rosemary, sage, or thyme. The basil syrup will keep for up to a month in the fridge, so you may want to double the recipe and use the extra to sweeten iced tea or spring cocktails.
  • 4 cups fresh basil leaves, packed, plus 6 basil sprigs for garnish
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice (about 6 lemons)

1. Bring basil leaves, sugar, and 2 cups water to a boil in medium saucepan, stirring to dissolve sugar and bruise basil leaves. Simmer 5 minutes without stirring. Strain, pressing on basil to remove liquid. Cool.

2. Pour 2 cups basil syrup into large pitcher. Stir in lemon juice and 4 cups water. Transfer to refrigerator, and chill well. Serve over ice, garnished with basil sprigs.

April/May 2012 p.54

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comments

Thisnisngood

Stella - 2013-05-08 01:07:29

For a once in a while treat, the sugar in a glass of the drink is manageable. I made it last night and found it very refreshing. I had some lemondae left over and made small ice cubes. I will definitely add a cube or two in iced tea or a lemonade or even a lemonade based cocktail.

Ann Marie - 2013-04-15 18:42:36

Sounds great! will try today!

cheryl - 2013-04-13 17:48:34

Waaaaay toooooo much sugar-26 grams a serving

susan baggott - 2013-04-13 03:44:54