Strawberry basil lemonade cocktails blend sweet, tart, and herbal flavors for a refreshing summer drink. This recipe puts a grown-up twist on classic lemonade.

It combines fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, zesty lemon, and a splash of vodka or gin.

The bright red color and aromatic basil make this cocktail look as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for backyard barbecues, pool parties, or sipping on the porch on a hot day.

The balance of flavors wakes up your taste buds without being overly sweet.

This easy recipe can be made ahead in a pitcher to serve a crowd. For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the liquor.

Either way, it’s a fun and tasty way to cool off when temperatures rise.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing drink mixes sweet strawberries, zesty lemon, and aromatic basil for a perfect summer sipper. Learn how to make it step-by-step with this easy recipe.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Ingredients

For 2 servings:

6 oz vodka
4 oz fresh lemon juice about 2-3 lemons
2 oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
8-10 fresh basil leaves
Club soda
Ice
Lemon slices and strawberries for garnish

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the vodka with additional club soda.

Instructions

Add strawberries and basil to the shaker. Muddle gently to release flavors.

Pour in vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
Fill two tall glasses with ice. Strain the mixture into the glasses.

Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with lemon slices and fresh strawberries.
Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.

The flavors will blend as the drink sits, creating a more intense taste.

Notes

This recipe can be easily scaled up for larger batches. Prepare the base mixture ahead of time and add club soda just before serving.

For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries and newly picked basil. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen can work too – just thaw them first.

Try different herb combinations like mint or thyme for unique flavor twists. You can also swap the vodka for gin or white rum to create new variations.

Tasting Notes

This strawberry basil lemonade cocktail offers a refreshing blend of flavors. The sweet strawberries balance nicely with the tart lemon juice. A hint of basil adds an herbal note that complements the fruit.

The drink has a bright pink color from the fresh strawberries. It’s garnished with a lemon slice and basil leaf for visual appeal.

On the palate, the cocktail is:

Sweet and tart
Light and refreshing
Fruity with herbal undertones

The texture is smooth with tiny bits of muddled strawberry. Ice keeps it chilled and slightly dilutes the strong flavors as it melts.

This cocktail works well as a summer sipper. It’s not too strong, making it easy to enjoy on a hot day. The basil gives it a unique twist compared to regular strawberry lemonade.

Food pairings that go nicely with this drink include:

Grilled chicken
Fruit salad
Light pasta dishes
Cheese and crackers

For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave out the vodka or gin. The flavors still shine through without the liquor.

Must Have Ingredients

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Substitute

Can’t find strawberries or basil for your cocktail? No problem. There are tasty alternatives you can use instead.

For strawberries, try raspberries or blackberries. These berries will give a similar fruity flavor. You can also use frozen berries if fresh ones aren’t available.

If you’re out of basil, mint makes a great stand-in. It adds a fresh, cooling taste that works well with lemonade. Rosemary or thyme could work too, but use less as their flavors are stronger.

No lemons? Use limes instead for a different citrus kick. Or try a mix of orange and grapefruit juice for a unique twist.

For the alcohol, vodka or gin can replace rum. They’ll change the taste a bit, but still make a yummy drink.

Don’t have fresh fruit juice? Store-bought lemonade works in a pinch. Just add your chosen fruit and herb for extra flavor.

Cocktails are flexible, so feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. You might discover a new favorite combo!

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe