Sparkling basil lemonade

Basil lemonade is the answer if you are looking for a refreshing taste of lemons with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil. This unique twist on traditional lemonade is perfect for quenching your thirst on hot summer days or as a crowd-pleasing beverage for picnics and barbecues.

Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, and basil is known for its antibacterial properties and digestive benefits. We had a good harvest of basil this year, and with the last batch of basil leaves, we used it to prepare basil syrup with lemon flavour. I use lemon zest to 

enhance the lemon flavor in basil lemon syrup. The zest contains aromatic oils that add a bright and intense citrus essence to the syrup, intensifying the lemony taste.

So, the next time you want a revitalizing summer beverage, try basil lemonade. 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-6 minutes
Serves: 4-5

Ingredients

• Basil leaves ½ cup
• Lemon juice 3 tbsp
• Sugar 1 cup
• Sparkling water 250 ml
• Ice cubes

Method

1. Combine 1 cup of water in a small saucepan with 1 cup of sugar, fresh basil leaves, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Once dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat and let the syrup steep for about 10 minutes to infuse the basil flavor. Afterward, strain the syrup to remove the basil leaves.
3. In a pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, the basil syrup, around 4-6 cups of cold water, and ice cubes, depending on your desired level of sweetness and tartness.
4. Stir well to ensure everything is well combined.
5. Top it up with sparkling water and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy!!