The flavors of herbs make this Mint and Basil Lemonade a unique and refreshing summer drink. It is perfect for summer afternoons sitting out and enjoying the season.
Love a good summertime drink? You also need these Homemade Slurpees and this Iced Chocolate.
One of my favorite ways to create recipes is making something inspired by something I had at a restaurant or dinner. This Mint and Basil Lemonade is one of those inspired recipes.
I first tried a version of this many years ago at a lunch, and couldn’t get it out of my head. So I had to go home and make my own version. And I’ve been making it over and over again ever since!
So do yourself a favor. Make this lemonade today, and enjoy some on your porch, or your balcony, or your deck. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer!
Ingredients
- Sugar: You just need granulated sugar for this recipe. I have not tried cutting back on the sugar or using a sugar substitute, so I’m not sure how that would turn out.
- Water: You will need water for both the simple syrup and for the lemonade.
- Basil: I use a sweet basil, which is the basil that is usually sold at grocery stores.
- Mint: For the mint, I also use the mint that is widely available at grocery stores, which is typically spearmint. But feel free to test out other mint varieties – especially if you have your own herb garden at home!
- Lemon Juice: You want to use freshly squeezed lemon juice for this recipe.
How to Make Mint and Basil Lemonade
PHOTO 1: Start by making your herb simple syrup. You combine the sugar, 1 cup of the water and the basil and mint in a saucepan. Heat it until it just starts to simmer, then let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved. Once dissolved, turn off the heat and let it sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to combine.
PHOTO 2: Pour the mixture through a sieve, then discard the basil and mint. You won’t need these anymore.
PHOTO 3 and 4: Pour the remaining water, lemon juice, and the simple syrup into a large container or pitcher. Stir it together, and chill until you are ready to serve it.
Tips and Tricks
This is pretty sweet and strong as written. I like to add lots of ice, which waters it down a bit. But feel free to taste and add more water, to taste.
You can also substitute part of the water for club soda to make it a little fizzy.
If you want to tone down the basil, you can use 1/4 cup basil and 3/4 cup mint.
This lemonade is best served chilled, so it’s easy to make ahead and store in the refrigerator.
More Summertime Recipes
Pineapple Dole Whip
Summer Chopped Salad with Berries
Lemon Ice Cream
Sweet Lemon Water
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Mint and Basil Lemonade
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 cups water divided
- 1/2 cup loosely packed basil
- 1/2 cup loosely packed mint
- 2 cups fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, one cup of the water, the basil, and the mint. Let the mixture come to a simmer and simmer until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and let the mixture steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve and discard the herbs.
- In a large pitcher, combine the remaining 2 cups of water, 2 cups of lemon juice, and the prepared simple syrup. Stir to combine and chill until ready to serve.
Katie says
Oh, man. This looks unbelievably refreshing! I think the Diet Coke I’m drinking right now definitely pales in comparison. 🙂
Lynn says
That looks delightful! My herb garden is coming along slowly but I’ll be making this as soon as I can harvest enough basil and mint.
Amy @ Serve at Once says
I have never thought to add basil to lemonade, but I’m sure it’ll be just delicious. And I’m a sucker for any summer beverage stuck in a mason jar. 😉
Bakerbynature says
This looks so refreshing for the heat that we have to look forward to the next few months!
kankana says
Mint syrup is one of my fav .. never tried with basil though. Tells me it is going to me awsm 🙂
Danielle S says
We are sipping this today! It’s 105 degrees here today in Minneapolis, MN so really glad you posted it! Thanks!
Tracey @ Kitchen Playground says
I think I’ll be trying this soon. 🙂
Joanne says
The basil and mint combo in the lemonade sounds SO refreshing! I’m picturing all of you guys out on your porch sipping this…sounds so picturesque!
teresa says
i’m so in love with this drink that i can barely stand it. i bet those herbs made this amazing!
Pam says
What a great lemonade that I’ll have to try! If only there was a beach nearby to enjoy it on!
Katrina says
This looks simply amazing! Great recipe.
Robyn | Add a Pinch says
I have a ton of basil just perfect for this recipe. Can’t wait to make it!!!
So glad you shared it in this week’s Mingle Monday!
sandi @the whistlestop cafe says
My basil and my mint are growing like weeds in this humid Alabama heat. This looks perfect for a lazy Monday!
Cookbook Queen says
This looks so refreshing and yummy!! And it sounds so easy!! Love.
Maria says
Perfect drink for summer and we just planted a bunch of herbs!
Rachel says
that sounds so delicious! I was just at an outdoor happy hour and they had a punch similar to this! I love the flavor of basil 🙂