Vegan Basil Lemonade
Fresh lemonade gets a serious upgrade here, thanks to a homemade basil simple syrup that steeps until the liquid turns fragrant and a gorgeous pale green. The combination of bright citrus and herby sweetness is unexpected in the best possible way — refreshing, a little sophisticated, and completely plant-based by nature. Every ingredient is straightforward and easy to find: organic cane sugar, fresh lemons, water, and a generous handful of basil leaves are all you need to pull this together. The syrup comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and once it's strained and chilled, assembly is as simple as stir, pour, and garnish. Served over ice with a sprig of fresh basil and a lemon slice, it looks like something from a fancy café menu. This makes four servings, so it's perfect for a small gathering, a weekend brunch, or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the basil simple syrup
- 1 cup water
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
For the lemonade
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–7 lemons)
- 3 cups cold water
For serving
- ice, for serving
- fresh basil sprigs, for serving (optional)
- lemon slices, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine 1 cup water and the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 2–3 minutes.
- 2
Remove the pan from the heat, add the basil leaves, and press them gently with a spoon to submerge. Let steep for 15 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and pale green.
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