Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Strawberry basil lemonade is the perfect afternoon refresher. We need to step up our hydration efforts in this warm weather, and this recipe will do the trick! Basil offers a unique aroma as well as flavonoids which act as antioxidants, protecting our cells from damage. And the lemons and strawberries make this drink high in Vitamin C.
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Makes 5 cups
Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6-7 lemons)
15 large organic strawberries
3 cups cold water plus few tablespoons of hot water
3-5 tablespoons honey (depending on desired sweetness)
1 tablespoon chopped basil (alternately mint, or combination) (about 10 leaves)
OPTIONAL: use 1-3 drops of lemon essential oil to replace some of the fresh lemon juice
OPTIONAL: use stevia for sweetening or a combination of honey and stevia. Go slowly with stevia, as it’s very concentrated. I usually add about 10 drops in addition to some honey.
Directions:
In small cup, add just enough hot water to the honey so it will dissolve. Add to blender.
You have two choices now: Option 1 is to blend everything together, and Option 2 is leave out the basil and muddle it at the end.
OPTION 1: Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well on low-medium power until basil pulverizes completely. (High power will cause it to foam too much).
OPTION 2: Alternately, blend all of the ingredients except the basil, then strain the lemonade through a fine sieve. You can muddle the basil in an individual glass with the back of a wooden spoon, then add ice and pour the lemonade over the top.
Adjust sweetness as desired. Serve immediately as contents settle quickly. If made in advance, stir or blend to freshen up before serving.
