{DIY} Fresh Basil Lemonade

When I first added a Nutrition & Recipes page to my website, my intention was to share things relevant to dogs…in particular our super active agility dogs. However, as I’ve progressed in the sport I’ve become more and more interested in the other half of the team…the human half. That means I’ve gradually learned more about human fitness (in addition to canine fitness) and developed a taste for cooking! Basil Lemonade is one of my favorite, healthy drinks!

Fresh Basil Lemonade

I first had this drink in a restaurant. I want to say it was Sauce, a local pizza place, but I can’t be sure. One order and I was hooked! The fresh Basil taste combined with tart Lemonade was an instant favorite for me, so I’m excited to share the recipe with you now.

The Ingredients I Used and Why:

Basil
Aside from the amazing taste, Basil is used as an alternative medication for stomach spasms, loss of appetite, intestinal gas, kidney conditions, fluid retention, head colds, and worm infections. While I wouldn’t say it should replace the advice of a doctor, it clearly aids in digestion!

Lemon Juice
Lemond Juice is a very low calorie, high flavor beverage. Plus, it has been found to have numerous health benefits ranging from digestive aid to cancer prevention!

Water
This one is obvious…hydration! Plus a larger batch of Fresh Basil Lemonade.

Swerve (non-sugar sweetener)
Swerve is a blend of erythritol but with oligosaccharides instead of stevia. Swerve has no aftertaste and does not impact blood glucose levels. It is a non-GMO, non-glycemic, zero calorie sweetener.

Amounts of Ingredients:

• 15 to 20 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1/2 cup (around 3 lemons) Lemon Juice
• 4 cups Water
• Ice
• 3tbs (or more to taste) Swerve
• Chia Seeds (optional)

Directions for Fresh Basil Lemonade:

Step 1:

Start to make your fresh Basil Lemonade by adding 3 cups of water into a pitcher. Add the Swerve and the Chia Seeds (optional) to the water.

If you are using Chia Seeds, stir them into the water and let them sit for about 10 -20 minutes or until the seeds grow to be at least double in size. Be sure to stir it occasionally to avoid the seeds sticking to each other.

Step 2:

With the help of a citrus juicer squeeze 3 lemons. Add the lemon juice into the container with the Chia Seeds and water mix. Stir to combine. 

Step 3:

Take around 15 to 20 leaves of basil and add them into aa tall container, add 1 cup of water, and blend it all until very smooth.  Pass through a strainer into the previous mix of lemon juice, water, and chia seeds. Stir to combine.

Step 4:

Serve in a glass over ice, garnished with lemon slices, and basil leaves. Enjoy!

Storing Your Fresh Basil Lemonade

It is best to consume the basil lemonade in a short time. However, you can absolutely keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and still get the great, fresh taste. The drink may settle a bit with storage, however, so be sure to mix before serving the next day.

Notes for Fresh Basil Lemonade

Lemonade is a great classic, summer drink and the addition of basil will make it particularly fresh and pleasant. But, you can give a little extra to your drink by adding sparkling water or soda! If you choose to add soda or sparkling water, adding flat water may cause the “fizz” to stop sooner, so be sure to add extra at the last minute (or not at all).

FRESH BASIL LEMONADE

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Drinks

Servings 5

Calories 15 kcal

Equipment

• Hand Blender
• Pitcher
• Strainer

Ingredients

  

• 15-20 Fresh Basil Leaves
• 1/2 cup (around 3 lemons) Lemon Juice
• 4 cups Water
• Ice
• 3 tbsp or more to taste Swerve
• Chia Seeds optional

Instructions

 

STEP 1:

• Start to make your fresh Basil Lemonade by adding 3 cups of water into a pitcher. Add the Swerve and the Chia Seeds (optional) to the water.
• If you are using Chia Seeds, stir them into the water and let them sit for about 10 -20 minutes or until the seeds grow to be at least double in size. Be sure to stir it occasionally to avoid the seeds sticking to each other.

STEP 2:

• With the help of a citrus juicer squeeze 3 lemons. Add the lemon juice into the container with the Chia Seeds and water mix. Stir to combine.

STEP 3:

• Take around 15 to 20 leaves of basil and add them into aa tall container, add 1 cup of water, and blend it all until very smooth. Pass through a strainer into the previous mix of lemon juice, water, and chia seeds. Stir to combine.

STEP 4:

• Serve in a glass over ice, garnished with lemon slices, and basil leaves. Enjoy!

Notes

STORING YOUR FRESH BASIL LEMONADE

It is best to consume the basil lemonade in a short time. However, you can absolutely keep it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days and still get the great, fresh taste. The drink may settle a bit with storage, however, so be sure to mix before serving the next day.

NOTES FOR FRESH BASIL LEMONADE

Lemonade is a great classic, summer drink and the addition of basil will make it particularly fresh and pleasant. But, you can give a little extra to your drink by adding sparkling water or soda! If you choose to add soda or sparkling water, adding flat water may cause the “fizz” to stop sooner, so be sure to add extra at the last minute (or not at all).

Keyword Human Drinks