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Fresh Peach Basil Lemonade

fresh peach basil lemonade - featured image

A refreshing homemade summer drink combining ripe peaches, fresh basil, and tangy lemon juice for a perfect balance of sweetness and herbal notes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large ripe fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
  • 1012 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently bruised
  • 4 medium-sized fresh lemons, juiced (about 1 cup or 240 ml lemon juice)
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar, adjust to taste
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cold water
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Optional: 1 cup (240 ml) club soda or sparkling water for fizz
  • Optional garnish: fresh peach slices and basil sprigs

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice 2 large ripe peaches. To peel easily, blanch in boiling water for 20 seconds then cool in ice water. Blend peach slices until smooth and pulpy, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Roll 4 medium lemons on the countertop to loosen juice, then cut and juice until you have about 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice. Strain to remove seeds if necessary.
  3. In a large pitcher, combine lemon juice and 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar. Stir vigorously until sugar dissolves completely, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Gently bruise 10-12 fresh basil leaves with a muddler or back of a wooden spoon to release oils without crushing.
  5. Pour peach puree into the pitcher with lemon-sugar mixture. Add 4 cups (960 ml) cold water and bruised basil leaves. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
  6. Refrigerate lemonade for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and basil infuse.
  7. Serve over ice cubes, optionally topping with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. Garnish with fresh peach slices and basil sprigs.

Notes

Do not over-muddle basil to avoid bitterness; bruise gently 3-4 times. Use ripe peaches for natural sweetness. Adjust sugar and lemon juice to balance tartness. Chill at least 1 hour for best flavor. For smoother texture, strain peach puree before mixing. Add club soda just before serving for fizz. Store refrigerated up to 3 days; remove basil after 24 hours for milder flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: peach lemonade, basil lemonade, summer drink, homemade lemonade, refreshing drink, peach basil drink