Looking for a refreshing drink that will tantalize your taste buds and keep you cool on a hot day? Look no further than this delightful Cucumber Lemonade with Basil! This vibrant beverage combines the crispness of cucumber, the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice, and the aromatic touch of basil, creating a symphony of flavors that will have your guests begging for more. With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this thirst-quenching drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying on your patio. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a drink that’s not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sugar or sweetener of choice
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the cucumber and slice it into thin rounds. This will help release its juices and flavor into the lemonade.
- In a blender, combine the sliced cucumber with 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Blend until smooth to extract the maximum flavor from the cucumber.
- Once blended, strain the cucumber-lemon mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a large pitcher. This will remove any pulp, resulting in a smooth lemonade.
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar (or your preferred sweetener) to the cucumber-lemon juice in the pitcher. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sweetener.
- Pour in 4 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir to combine all the ingredients. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or lemon juice as needed.
- Chop the fresh basil leaves coarsely and add them to the pitcher. Stir gently to release the basil's aromatic oils into the lemonade.
- Refrigerate the cucumber lemonade for about 10 minutes to chill, or serve immediately over ice cubes for a refreshing drink.
- Before serving, give the lemonade a quick stir to mix the basil evenly. Pour into glasses and garnish with additional basil leaves or cucumber slices if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cucumber: For the best flavor, opt for a fresh, firm cucumber. English cucumbers are a great choice as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, which means less peeling!
- Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of your lemonade. Start with 1/2 cup of sugar, but if you prefer a less sweet drink, add less or try natural sweeteners like honey or agave syrup.
- Straining is Key: Don’t skip the straining step! This will ensure your lemonade is smooth and refreshing without any pulp, making it a more enjoyable drink.
- Basil Infusion: To enhance the basil flavor, gently muddle the leaves before adding them to the pitcher. This will help release the essential oils and provide a more aromatic experience.
- Serve it Chilled: For the best taste, let your cucumber lemonade chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish for Presentation: Elevate your drink by garnishing with fresh basil leaves or cucumber slices in each glass. It adds a lovely visual touch and enhances the overall experience.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to get creative! Add a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy twist, or mix in other herbs like mint for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
