If you like lemonade, you’re going to love this Tulsi basil strawberry lemonade recipe. It’s flavorful, simple to make and tastes delicious on a hot summer day.
Have you ever tried strawberry basil lemonade? This is not just any homemade lemonade recipe. This lemonade recipe is made with fresh strawberries, holy basil, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup and of course water.
What is Tulsi Basil?
Tulsi basil or holy basil is an ancient ayurvedic herb with a plethora of health benefits. This medicinal plant, native to Southeaster Asia, can be used in all the dishes that sweet basil is used, but this is where the similarities stop. If you have fresh Tulsi basil in your garden, this is a great way to use it up, especially at the end of summer.
What Are the Health Benefits of This Powerful Herb?
Tulsi basil has been show to lower inflammation, reduce anxiety, aid cholesterol and lower blood sugar in those with type 2 diabetes. It also has antifungal properties. While Tulsi basil is great for adding basil flavor to beverages like strawberry basil lemonade. This herb is delicious in other dishes and beverages as well. Adding Tulsi basil to your favorite loose leaf tea is a great way to take advantage of some of those wonderful benefits.
Tips on Buying Fresh Strawberries
Always buy organic strawberries as these fruits consistently have one of the highest pesticide residues. Pesticides as found in conventional strawberries can be harmful to health.
When you buy strawberries in the store, observe the carton closely. Turn over the carton and look for signs of mold, dampness or rotting.
Do not wash strawberries until you need them. Doing so could compromise the integrity of the fruit.
Tools You Need
Tulsi Basil Strawberry Lemonade Ingredients
- fresh lemons- use 5 organic lemons (seeds removed)
- strawberries – It’s important to start with fresh, organic strawberries
- fresh basil (in this case Tulsi basil or holy basil is highly recommended)
- water
- sugar or preferred sweetener
- vanilla extract – use real vanilla extract
Directions to Make the Perfect Drink
Step 1
Cut the fruit into small strawberry pieces and set aside.
Step 2
Add sugar and 1 cup of water to a small pot (on medium-low) heat to make the simple syrup.
Step 3
Place basil leaves in simple syrup.
Step 4
Remove from heat.
Step 5
Add the juice of five lemons to a glass pitcher.
Step 6
Add strawberries, vanilla, and remaining water.
Step 7
Next, add the simple syrup.
Step 8
Mix and let the lemonade steep in the refrigerator.
Step 9
For best flavor, allow the lemonade to sit for at least 30 minutes.
Tips for the Making the Best Tulsi Basil Lemonade
Use the organic strawberries and lemons to start.
To get the most juice from your lemons, roll them first. You can also opt microwave the lemons for 30 seconds first, right before juicing.
All basil is not created equally. When shopping for or picking basil, look closely at the basil leaves. Holy basil or Tulsi basil has more jagged leaves. The leaves of sweet basil are more smooth in appearance. Also, the flavor is a little more delicate.
This is a cold drink. So serve cold over a few ice cubes.
Variations and Substitutions
Place lemon slices and basil in ice cube trays and freeze to make gourmet ice cubes. Serve ice cubes with your lemonade for an extra special touch.
If you don’t like strawberries or want to try something different, swap them with any other fresh fruit you may like. Some other ideas are raspberries, blueberries and even mangoes.
If you prefer a smoother beverage, blend the strawberries first to make a puree. I happen to like the textural difference of the strawberry pieces in this recipe, but you do what you like.
Ideas for Garnish
- fresh strawberries (sliced 1/3 down to anchor onto glass)
- basil
- lemon slices
Other Healthy Strawberry Recipes
Strawberry Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing
Strawberry Basil Dessert Topping
Dairy Free Strawberry Cream Popsicles
Other Lemonade Recipes You May Like
Easy Tulsi Basil Strawberry Lemonade
If you like lemonade, you're going to love this Tulsi strawberry lemonade recipe. It's flavorful, simple to make and tastes delicious on a hot summer day.
Ingredients
- 5 cups water
- 5 large lemons
- 1/4 cup cup Tulsi basil or holy basil
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1. To a small pot (on medium low heat), add 1 cup of water and sugar.
- 2. Mix until thoroughly dissolved and add Tulsi basil (whole or in strips).
- 3. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat.
- 4. Squeeze the juice from five lemons being certain to remove the seeds.
- 5. Add the lemon juice to a pitcher along with strawberries, basil simple syrup, vanilla extract and remaining water.
- 6. Mix thoroughly and let chill in the refrigerator to that basil flavor can steep.
- 7. Serve over ice.
Notes
To get the most juice from the lemons, roll gently before juicing.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Zulay Metal 2-In-1 Lemon Lime Squeezer - Hand Juicer Lemon Squeezer Gets Every Last Drop - Max Extraction Manual Citrus Juicer - Easy-to-Use Lemon Juicer Squeezer - Heavy-Duty Lemon Squeezer Manual -
Hiware 64 Ounces Glass Pitcher with Stainless Steel Lid / Water Carafe with Handle - Good Beverage Pitcher for Homemade Juice & Iced Tea, Cleaning Brush Included
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 119Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 10mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 2gSugar 27gProtein 1g
Nutrition information isn't always accurate.
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