Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 10 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons Strawberry Dark Balsamic Vinegar
- 4 tablespoons sugar, or to taste
- 4 cups cold water
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 large lemons)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, strawberry dark balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and the flavors to meld.
- Use a blender to puree the strawberry and basil mixture until smooth.
- For a smoother lemonade, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp and basil pieces. If you prefer a more rustic drink, you can skip this step.
- In a large pitcher, combine the strained or unstrained strawberry basil puree with cold water and fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
- Taste your lemonade and if needed, add more sugar or balsamic vinegar to adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the lemonade over them. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional strawberry slices if desired.
Notes:
- For a more pronounced basil flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of Basil Premium Olive Oil to the strawberries to macerate.
- Replace one cup of water with sparkling water for a bubbly version of this lemonade.