Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Wow. Summer has officially hit in Virginia.
I thought I knew humidity in the Midwest....I was wrong. My hair frizz is practically completely horizontal people, it's ridiculous. I figured it was time to start coming up with some ideas for refreshing summer drinks- since I am not a fan of sweet tea [which is blasphemy here in the South]. Thus, I came up with my version of a Strawberry Basil Lemonade: Cool, refreshing, sweet.
Let me make one thing clear: this recipe does NOT make your every day lemonade. This lemonade is not cloyingly sweet or overly sour- mainly because it's all fresh ingredients, and isn't just pure sugar & citric acid. If you love really sweet or sour lemonade- feel free to adjust the sugar & juice levels.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED (serves 1):
- 2 strawberries
- 3 large basil leaves 
- 2  teaspoons white sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (cut a ring of the lemon beforehand for garnish!)
- 1 1/2 cups water

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:
1. Dice up your strawberries and rip up your basil leaves.
2. Muddle your berries and basil with your lemon juice.
3. Add a little water and mix in your sugar until pretty well dissolved. 
4. Pour mixture over glass of ice, and pour in remaining water.
5. Stir well, garnish, and enjoy!

*as you'd probably imagine, the flavor gets strong if you let it sit- but if it's not enough for you add more sugar/juice!




Garnishes always make everything look that much better, don't they? 



At about 60 calories, I'd take this over a sugary sweet tea any day! If you're looking for a drink with a little more...shall we say...fun...to it- I'm sure vodka or gin would taste great in this!
If you're looking for more of an intense basil taste- adding a basil simple syrup will do the trick! (If you've never made simple syrup before- it's super easy, check out this recipe)

What's your favorite summer drink?

(send them to me-I love new recipes! beautyandbeard@gmail.com)

xo,lp

9 comments:

  1. YUM! That looks fantastic. Listen, I hear ya about the frizz. The humidity hit out of nowhere! I am anxiously awaiting my bangs to grow out now because they are absolutely not working. Uggggh.

    My mom just told me about a yummy summer drink idea....mixing seltzer water with a packet of Crystal light mix. It's like fizzy lemonaide but not too overpowering. Yum!

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  2. This looks soooooo refreshing! I must try this this summer!

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  3. Yum! This sounds delicious. I actually am a fan of sweet tea, but this looks like a tasty alternative. I love your photos too! Nice work!

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  4. This looks mighty tasty and your pictures are beautiful!

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  5. looks so good! and i want a picture of this horizontal hair frizz. :)

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  6. Yummo!!! This sounds like a perfect drink for here in Austin too...it has been smokin' hot already! This is Pinterest worthy! Bookmarking this so I can make...and I am not a fan of tea either...but I do have quite the Diet Dr. Pepper addiction! ;)
    xo,
    Shanna

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  7. i think i would do this, with vodka.

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  8. I love sweet tea, but this is definitely a great alternative! I'm going to make this soon! It's the perfect summer drink.

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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