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Ah, lemonade. Where would we be without it during those scorching summer days? This Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade isn’t your grandma’s plain ol’ lemonade. Nope. It’s zesty, herby, and just sweet enough to make you go back for a second glass. And, you guys, strawberries and basil together is like PB&J but in liquid form. So, maybe try it when you need a little sunshine in a glass.

Okay, time for true confession: my husband and our little herd (read: chaos of kids) are obsessed with this strawberry basil lemonade. I swear, the first time I made it, he whispered to the lemonade, “please never leave us.” It was kind of adorable and weird all at once. It’s now become a weekend staple, something that instantly fixes just about anything — from grumpy mornings to impromptu backyard picnics. Heck, it even saves us from calling it a day when dinner’s a bit charred on the grill (oops 😬).

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Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Strawberry Basil Lemonade

It’s outrageously easy to toss together—like, ridiculously so. Plus, if you, like me, are prone to burning bread rolls in the chaos of family dinners, you’ll appreciate the no-fuss vibe.

The strawberries and basil are a love story for the ages. Honestly, those two just belong together.

You, too, can feel fancy — serve it in your best mason jar (totally optional but fancy).

Plus, it doubles as a sneaky way to get kiddos to inhale a little more fruit.

How to Make It

Alright, picture us hanging in the kitchen, splashing strawberry bits everywhere. Start with those strawberries—just mash them up until they’re practically pleading for mercy. Your goal? Juicy mess. Next, toss some water into a saucepan, thinly slice the basil, and turn the heat up, letting it do its magic. Let it simmer gently like you, watching your favorite show — don’t rush it. Stir in the sugar and squeeze those lemons until you’ve got every last drop. Oh, I once forgot the lemon seeds in there, so keep an eye out for those sneaky ninjas. Combine it all, give it a taste, and if it’s not sweet enough, give it a little sugar sprinkle for good measure.

Ingredient Notes

– Strawberries: These babies bring the sweetness. If you’re strawberries are past their prime, mash ‘em extra good, or your lemonade might taste a bit meh.
– Basil: The perfumed wonder of this whole ordeal! Just enough to make you feel like a bouquet exploded in the best way possible.
– Lemons: You need these. Once, I tried to use bottled lemon juice—never again. My husband politely declined it (bless him) with a grimace.

Recipe Steps

1. Mash strawberries until you can’t mash no more.
2. Combine water and basil in a saucepan; heat gently.
3. Stir in sugar until dissolved, then add lemon juice.
4. Combine strawberry mash with basil mixture.
5. Drink up, internally high-fiving yourself.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

Storage Tips

Keep this beaut in the fridge if you’ve got any leftovers (doubtful). It’s lovely cold and even kinda nice for breakfast if you’ve got a lingering hangover from said backyard picnic. Toss it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, well, let’s just say it turns a bit swamp-thing.

Variations and Substitutions

So, you’re out of basil? I’ve been there. Sub it for mint or rosemary, and it’s still downright delightful. And if honey’s more your vibe than sugar, swap away! Tried it when I’d sworn off sugar for that week (don’t ask) — still tasted fab!

Frequently Asked Questions

I can’t have gluten… will this still work?

Totally. Just switch the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. I’ve done it more times than I can count. Still tastes bomb.

Do I have to peel the pineapple first? Asking for a friend.

Yeah… definitely peel it. Unless you’re into chewing bark. It’s not fun, trust me.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Been there, done that. Just drain it like your life depends on it. Still good, just not *as* wow.

How sweet is this? Can I tone it down a bit?

You totally can. Cut the sugar a little or swap in honey or maple syrup. I’ve done both when I ran out of brown sugar.

What if I skip the sesame oil?

Honestly? It’s fine. You’ll lose that toasted vibe, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Still delicious.

Remember it later

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