Strawberry Basil Lemonade mocktail
Nothing says summer like a refreshing strawberry basil lemonade mocktail! This drink is not only delicious, but it’s also pretty and so easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want to enjoy a nice summer day, this mocktail is the perfect addition. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
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How I Started Drinking Strawberry Basil Lemonade Mocktails
It had been a hot summer day and I, a breastfeeding mom, was looking for something refreshing to quench my thirst. The kids were happily playing in the pool and I had already had a mixer earlier that day, so it was time for me to switch to mocktails for the evening.
Ideas of mixing drinks swirled in my mind. I knew I wanted it to be citrus based because we had acres of citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons ripe and ready for eating!
In the heat of the moment, (pun intended) inspiration struck! Before long, I had concocted my very own recipe for a strawberry basil lemonade mocktail with fresh ingredients from our garden and orchard. (Ok so the strawberries were store-bought.)
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How to Make This Fancy Summer Lemonade
Let’s start with what you’ll need – freshly squeezed lemon juice (two lemons worth), a cup of diced strawberries (about 6), 6 fresh basil leaves, and a lemon la Croix.
Let’s talk about alternative ingredients. Sure you could run to the store and follow the recipe directly, but there are a lot of ways to alter this recipe that are equally delicious.
- It honestly tastes way better with fresh lemon juice. But if you absolutely have to you CAN use the bottled kind. I would just suggest sweetening the recipe because it just doesn’t hold the same flavor or aftertaste as real lemons.
- You can use frozen but defrosted strawberries if that’s what you have on hand as you will be muddling them anyways.
- This recipe is supposed to have a bite, but you can sweeten this recipe if your kids like it better that way or if you have a sensitive stomach. Like when I was pregnant, I sweetened this with a bit of stevia.
- This is technically a “mocktail” recipe so I suggest muddling the ingredients for the full taste and experience. Alternately, you can dice everything up small and add all ingredients (sans bubbly water because that would sure be a mess) to the blended instead.
- Want to serve up some mocktails AND cocktails? Just add a couple of shots of vodka to your glass.
- This recipe is for 2 glasses but you can absolutely 4x it and make a pitcher!
- You don’t have to use La Croix. Any bubbly lemon water drink will do. Heck, even flavorless bubbly drinks like pure seltzer water turn out great with this recipe.
RELATED: Strawberry Margarita Mocktail Recipe
Let’s Serve Up Our Mocktail!
When it’s time to serve your strawberry basil lemonade mocktail, grab an ice-filled glass and pour yourself some delicious goodness! This recipe is sure to take your tastebuds on an exciting summer ride. With the tartness from the lemons balanced against the sweetness of the strawberries plus herbal notes from the basil, this mix-up keeps it interesting but still lovely and light on those warmer days when you are looking for something other than just plain old H2O.
And there you have it – my go-to recipe for a perfect summer afternoon refreshment! On those days when it’s too hot out to do much more than lounge around at home or hang out by the pool with family or friends, this simple yet delightful strawberry basil lemonade mocktail is sure to be an absolute hit!
Health Benefits of Strawberry Basil Lemonade
While lemonade is often associated with a hot summer day, this strawberry basil lemonade mocktail is more than just refreshing on a warm day. Not only does it provide all the wonderful flavors of the season, but it also packs some impressive health benefits too!
Lemons are loaded with vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and ward off colds, as well as antioxidants to protect us from free radical damage and keep our skin looking younger for longer. Lemons also contain fiber and pectin which help fill you up and control cravings.
Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C as well and are packed full of other vitamins such as folate, potassium, and magnesium. They are also an exceptionally great source of antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Finally, basil adds amazing flavor to this lemonade mocktail but can also help to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow.
Combined together in this zesty strawberry basil Lemonade Mocktail these ingredients make for one delicious yet nutritious drink that will not just quench your thirst but is sure to leave you feeling refreshed too!
Who Would Like This Strawberry Lemonade Mocktail Recipe?
Mocktails are a great alternative for those looking to cut back on sugar or alcohol, such as when dealing with children, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. With mocktails, there is no need to sacrifice flavor, which is why this strawberry basil lemonade mocktail is a particularly great option.
The freshness of the lemons and strawberries combined with herbal notes from the basil gives it an incredibly summery taste that even kids can enjoy! It’s also a much healthier option than regular lemonade since it has none of the added sugars but still contains lots of vitamins and minerals to give you an extra boost.
This recipe is perfect for:
- Kids
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding women
- Anyone looking to cut calories
- Anyone looking for an indulgent but healthy drink
- Anyone looking to lower or remove their alcohol intake without feeling so deprived
Plus, if you are looking for something special for your next family gathering or BBQ then this deliciously fruity treat will definitely be a hit! Not only does it look amazing served up in tall glasses with plenty of ice but it tastes lovely too and will make you feel like you’re on vacation!
Strawberry Basil Lemonade Mocktail
Ingredients
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 6 strawberries
- 6 basil leaves
- 1 lemon la Croix
- (optional 1 packet of stevia)
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves and stevia if you are choosing to add it for a sweet drink with less of a bite to the bottom of a glass and muddle it.
- Add the strawberries and muddle those as well.
- Add in the lemon juice and lightly stir.
- Pour in the lemon La Croix (or any brand of lemon flavor bubbly water will do) and lightly stir again.
- Pour over ice to serve and garish with a lemon slice if you wish.
Wrapping Up Strawberry Basil Lemonade Mocktail Recipe
The delicious mix of strawberry, basil, and lemon makes this Lemonade Mocktail the perfect pick-me-up for hot summer days. Not only does it taste great, but it’s also full of vitamins and minerals that make it a healthy option for just about any occasion.
Whether you’re trying to reduce your sugar intake or looking for something special to serve at your next family gathering, this mocktail is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!
