Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

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Sweet and refreshing, this Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail brings together bright summer flavors in one glass.

This simple recipe mixes fresh strawberries, fragrant basil leaves, tart lemon juice, and your choice of vodka or gin for a perfect warm-weather drink.

The pink cocktail looks beautiful in a tall glass with ice, making it great for parties, barbecues, or relaxing on the patio. A garnish of fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves adds an extra touch of color and style.

People can make this drink ahead of time and store the base mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the alcohol and ice right before serving for the best taste and presentation.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

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This refreshing drink combines sweet strawberries, fresh basil, and zesty lemonade with vodka for a perfect summer cocktail.

John

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Serving Size 8

Equipment

• Large pitcher
• Muddler or wooden spoon
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cutting Board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer
• Cocktail glasses

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 6-8 lemons
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups cold water
• 1½ cups vodka
• Ice cubes
• Extra strawberries and basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Mix sugar with 1 cup of water in a small pot. Heat until sugar dissolves. Let cool.
• Place strawberries and basil in the pitcher. Muddle gently to release flavors.
• Pour in the cooled sugar mixture, lemon juice, remaining water, and vodka.
• Stir well and refrigerate for 1 hour.
• Strain the mixture into a clean pitcher to remove fruit pieces and herbs.
• Fill glasses with ice and pour the cocktail mixture.
• Add fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves as garnish.

Notes

The drink can be made non-alcoholic by leaving out the vodka and adding more water or sparkling water.

Store the cocktail in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors get stronger over time.

Make a bigger batch by doubling the recipe. This works great for summer parties.

Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Avoid using bottled lemon juice if possible.

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Tasting Notes

This strawberry basil lemonade cocktail brings a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors. The fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, while lemon juice provides a bright, zesty kick.

Fresh basil leaves create an herbal note that pairs well with the fruit. The aroma combines garden-fresh herbs with sweet berry scents.

Key flavor elements:

• Sweet strawberry
• Tangy lemon
• Herbal basil
• Light floral notes

The drink starts sweet on the front of the tongue, followed by refreshing citrus. A gentle basil essence lingers after each sip.

The texture is smooth with a light, silky mouthfeel. Small bits of muddled strawberry and torn basil add subtle complexity to each taste.

This cocktail works best when served very cold. Ice helps mellow the tartness while keeping the drink crisp and refreshing.

Suggested garnishes:

• Fresh strawberry slice
• Small basil sprig
• Lemon wheel
• Sugar rim (optional)

The flavors become more balanced after sitting for 2-3 minutes, allowing the basil to infuse fully with the other ingredients.

Substitute

You can make this drink without alcohol by skipping the vodka. The taste will still be fresh and bright.

Replace fresh strawberries with frozen ones when needed. Use 2 cups of frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones.

Don’t have fresh basil? Use 2 tablespoons of dried basil leaves. The flavor won’t be as strong, but it still adds a nice herbal note.

For a sugar-free version, use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.

Other ingredient swaps:

• Replace vodka with gin or white rum
• Use lime juice instead of lemon juice
• Switch regular sugar with honey or agave nectar
• Try mint leaves instead of basil

Want more fizz? Add sparkling water or club soda to make it bubbly. Start with 1/2 cup and add more if needed.

For a stronger drink, add an extra shot of vodka. To make it weaker, add more lemonade.

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