Elevate your summer sipping with this Basil-Blueberry Limeade, a stunning and refreshing drink where sweet berries and aromatic herbs create a match made in heaven. It’s a quick, beautifully hued, and perfectly balanced beverage that’s as special as the occasions you’ll make it for.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Fresh blueberries and basil are a flavor pairing that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully simple. This limeade is my favorite way to celebrate when these ingredients are at their peak. The process of simmering the berries into a syrup and steeping the basil creates a complex, floral, and herbaceous base that transforms into the most gorgeous purple drink a surefire standout at any summer gathering.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus more for garnish
- 1 packed cup (1 oz.) basil sprigs, plus small sprigs for garnish
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (from 6 to 8 limes)
- Ice
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Step-by-step instructions for making the recipe
- Make the blueberry-basil syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1 cup of fresh blueberries.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Use a fork to gently smash the blueberries in the syrup to release their juice and color.
- Add the packed cup of basil sprigs to the saucepan and stir until they are submerged in the hot syrup.
- Let the syrup steep at room temperature until it is completely cool, about 20 minutes.
- Pour the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the blueberry and basil solids.
- Stir the fresh lime juice and 3 cups of cold water into the strained syrup in the pitcher.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the limeade over top. Garnish with additional fresh blueberries, small basil sprigs, and a lime wedge.
Basil-Blueberry Limeade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the blueberry-basil syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and 1 cup of fresh blueberries.2/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring often until the sugar dissolves.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Use a fork to gently smash the blueberries in the syrup to release their juice and color.
- Add the packed cup of basil sprigs to the saucepan and stir until they are submerged in the hot syrup.1 packed cup basil sprigs
- Let the syrup steep at room temperature until it is completely cool, about 20 minutes.
- Pour the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid. Discard the blueberry and basil solids.
- Stir the fresh lime juice and 3 cups of cold water into the strained syrup in the pitcher.3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the limeade over top. Garnish with additional fresh blueberries, small basil sprigs, and a lime wedge.Ice, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 1 packed cup basil sprigs, Lime wedges
Notes
FAQ
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, frozen blueberries will work perfectly in this recipe. There is no need to thaw them before using.
How long will the limeade keep?
The finished limeade can be stored in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving as some settling may occur.
Is there a way to make this a frozen drink?
Absolutely! For a slushy version, combine the finished limeade (without the extra 3 cups of water) with 4-6 cups of ice in a blender and blend until smooth.