Peach Basil Lemonade
Highlighted under: Light & Fresh
For something this simple, it has no right being this refreshing. Just think about it: ripe peaches, fresh basil, and the zing of lemon all come together to make a drink that feels like summer in a glass. This whole thing runs about $6-8, depending on the fruit prices in your area. I first made this during a hot weekend when I had a craving for something cool and fruity, and it was an instant hit with my family.
I remember the first time I made this Peach Basil Lemonade; it was one of those sweltering afternoons when all you want is to sit under a shady tree and sip something cool. I grabbed a few overripe peaches I had lying around and decided to mix things up by adding fresh basil from my little garden. The combo turned out to be a whole lot better than I expected, and now I can’t imagine summer without it.
This drink is so easy to customize too — you could add a little sparkling water for some fizz or even throw in some raspberries if you're feeling adventurous. Honestly, last time I made it, I wish I’d used a splash more lemon juice, so just be aware of how tart you want it to be before you mix everything together.
What to Know Before Making Peach Basil Lemonade
This Peach Basil Lemonade is really all about fresh ingredients. The riper your peaches are, the sweeter and more fragrant your drink will be. If you can, look for local peaches—they taste so much better than the ones that have traveled far. And basil, oh my goodness, fresh basil can take the drink from ordinary to something a little special, so don't skip on that.
When it comes to the lemons, I like to roll them on the counter before juicing. This helps to release more juice, which is especially handy if they're a bit firm. Also, if you're not a fan of super tart drinks, you can adjust the sugar. Start with half a cup, but feel free to add more if your peaches didn't quite make the cut in the sweetness department.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes, for serving
Instructions
Make the Peach Mixture
In a blender, combine the sliced peaches and fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth. You might want to taste it for sweetness before moving on. If your peaches are super ripe, you might not need to add extra sugar.
Mix in Citrus
Pour the peach-basil mixture into a large pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Honestly, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking; if you prefer a tangy drink, you can reduce it.
Combine
Add the cold water to the pitcher and give everything a good stir. I usually let it chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld, but you can enjoy it right away if you’re super eager!
Serve
Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with a few basil leaves or peach slices if you're fancy. It’s such a pretty drink, you’ll definitely want to take a photo before you dive in.
Pro Tips
- For an even cooler drink, try freezing some peach slices and using them as ice cubes.
- You can substitute honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness.
- If you'd like a bit of fizz, top your glass with sparkling water before serving.
- Feel free to add more herbs like mint for a fresh twist.
Peach Basil Lemonade Leftovers Plan
If you happen to have any lemonade left after your gathering, don’t worry. It holds up fairly well in the fridge for about three days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. And if the lemonade starts to separate, give it a good stir before serving.
You can also freeze the lemonade in ice cube trays. This way, you have peach basil ice cubes for your summer drinks later on. Just pop a few in a glass of water or tea, and you'll have a refreshing hint of flavor. I've done this a lot, and it works great!
Dietary Swaps
If you're looking for ways to tweak this recipe for different diets, you can swap out the sugar for honey or agave syrup. Just remember that honey is a bit sweeter than sugar, so you might want to use slightly less. It’ll give the lemonade a nice floral note, too.
For a lower calorie version, sparkling water can replace regular water. This adds a bubbly texture and is so refreshing, especially on hot summer days. Honestly, I sometimes do this when I’m in the mood for something fizzy. Just mix it in right before serving so the bubbles stay intact.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving.
→ What if I can't find fresh peaches?
You can use frozen peaches, just make sure to let them thaw slightly before blending. It still works out well!
→ Is this drink kid-friendly?
Yes, definitely! It’s super refreshing and doesn’t have any alcohol. Just cut back on sugar if you’re concerned about sweetness.
Peach Basil Lemonade
Created by: The Simplecooktips Team
Recipe Type: Light & Fresh
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (about 6 lemons)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes, for serving
How-To Steps
In a blender, combine the sliced peaches and fresh basil leaves. Blend until smooth. You might want to taste it for sweetness before moving on. If your peaches are super ripe, you might not need to add extra sugar.
Pour the peach-basil mixture into a large pitcher. Add the fresh lemon juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Honestly, feel free to adjust the sugar to your liking; if you prefer a tangy drink, you can reduce it.
Add the cold water to the pitcher and give everything a good stir. I usually let it chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors meld, but you can enjoy it right away if you’re super eager!
Fill a glass with ice cubes, pour in the lemonade, and garnish with a few basil leaves or peach slices if you're fancy. It’s such a pretty drink, you’ll definitely want to take a photo before you dive in.
Extra Tips
- For an even cooler drink, try freezing some peach slices and using them as ice cubes.
- You can substitute honey or agave syrup instead of sugar for a different sweetness.
- If you'd like a bit of fizz, top your glass with sparkling water before serving.
- Feel free to add more herbs like mint for a fresh twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 85
- Total Fat (g): 0.2
- Saturated Fat (g): 0
- Cholesterol (mg): 0
- Sodium (mg): 5
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 22.3
- Dietary Fiber (g): 1.5
- Sugars (g): 19.7
- Protein (g): 0.6