Revitalize your summer with this Basil Limeade, a quick and easy herbal twist on a classic that’s both light and brilliantly refreshing. It’s a perfectly balanced, not-too-sweet drink where the aromatic essence of basil transforms fresh limeade into something uniquely delicious and effortlessly elegant.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
An herbal addition truly does make lemonade taste all new, and this basil limeade is the perfect proof. It’s my favorite way to elevate a simple syrup into a sophisticated, fragrant beverage that feels special without being complicated. This recipe is a welcome switch-up for summer cook-outs, proving that a few simple ingredients can create a drink that’s far more exciting than the sum of its parts.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 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 basil syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the packed cup of basil sprigs and stir until they are fully submerged in the hot syrup.
- Let the basil syrup steep at room temperature until the mixture is completely cool, about 20 minutes. This allows the basil to infuse its flavor.
- Pour the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small pitcher, pressing on the basil to extract all the flavorful liquid. Discard the basil solids.
- Stir the fresh lime juice and 3 cups of cold water into the basil syrup in the pitcher.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the basil limeade over top. Garnish each glass with a small sprig of fresh basil and a lime wedge.
Basil Limeade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the basil syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the sugar and 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved.2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately add the packed cup of basil sprigs and stir until they are fully submerged in the hot syrup.1 packed cup basil sprigs
- Let the basil syrup steep at room temperature until the mixture is completely cool, about 20 minutes. This allows the basil to infuse its flavor.
- Pour the cooled syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small pitcher, pressing on the basil to extract all the flavorful liquid. Discard the basil solids.
- Stir the fresh lime juice and 3 cups of cold water into the basil syrup in the pitcher.3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the basil limeade over top. Garnish each glass with a small sprig of fresh basil and a lime wedge.Ice, 1 packed cup basil sprigs, Lime wedges
Notes
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The basil limeade can be prepared and stored in a pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even improve as they meld.
What type of basil works best?
Sweet Genovese basil is the most common and works perfectly. However, you could experiment with other varieties like Thai basil for a more licorice-like note.
Is this limeade very sweet?
This recipe is designed to be “not too tart and not too sweet.” The 2/3 cup of sugar provides a balanced sweetness that lets the lime and basil flavors shine. You can adjust the sweetness by adding a little more water or lime juice to taste.