Basil and lemonade are two classic symbols of summer, so it seemed appropriate to make this Purple Basil Lemonade to bring the two together. It’s hot as heck out there, and lemonade makes everything better, right? Try this refreshing beverage over ice before summer fades.
The purple basil turns this lemonade pink without artificial colors, and imparts a floral flavor that can’t be beat. You can use whatever sweetener you like, just know it will affect the final color.
Purple Basil Lemonade
by Joanne Weir for Cooking Light, July 2009
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup loosely packed purple basil leaves (about 1/4 ounce)
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 4 cups ice
- 4 purple basil sprigs
Method
First, place the sugar and basil in a small bowl or mortar and pestle, and muddle until the color of the sugar turns purple and forms a paste.
Next, pour the lemon juice and water into a separate bowl and add the basil/sugar mixture, stirring well until the sugar is dissolved.
Lastly, strain the mixture to remove the basil.
Pour into glasses with ice and top with a small sprig of purple basil. This recipe makes 4 glasses. Keep in the fridge for further refreshment late in the day.
