Strawberry Basil Lemonade Mixer

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit & Herbs

01 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

02 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

03 - 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 lemons)

→ Sweetener

04 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave for vegan/variation)

→ Water

05 - 5 cups cold water

06 - 1 cup ice cubes, plus more for serving

→ Garnish (optional)

07 - Strawberry slices

08 - Lemon slices

09 - Fresh basil sprigs

# How To Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup water and sugar. Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

02 - In a blender, combine strawberries, basil leaves, and the cooled simple syrup. Blend until smooth.

03 - Strain the strawberry-basil mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large pitcher, pressing to extract as much juice as possible.

04 - Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and 4 cups cold water to the pitcher. Stir well to combine.

05 - Add ice cubes and stir again. Taste and adjust sweetness or lemon to preference.

06 - Serve in glasses filled with additional ice, and garnish with strawberry slices, lemon slices, and basil sprigs as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

This lemonade is as refreshing as a summer breeze.
The sweet and fragrant blend of strawberries and basil is a true seasonal delight.

02 -

Be sure to taste as you go; the sweetness can vary based on the strawberries.
Using very chilled water makes for an incredibly refreshing drink, particularly on hot days.

03 -

For the best flavor, opt for organic strawberries when possible.
A squeeze of lime can add a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor of the lemonade.