Basil Lemonade

Submitted by Chef Edlear

"a pleasant variation of this favorite summertime drink. prep time does not include the chilling time."

 

• Ready In: 35mins
• Ingredients: 7
• Serves: 4-6

ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 1 cup fresh basil leaf, slightly torn
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice
• lemon wedge (to garnish)
• basil sprig (to garnish)

directions

1. Heat together the water, basil, vanilla bean and sugar in a large saucepan. When it just comes to a simmer, put on a tight fitting lid, remove from the heat and set aside to steep for 20 minutes.
2. Strain, add the lemon juice, and chill.
3. Do not scrape the vanilla bean. Set it aside to dry and store to reuse the next time.
4. Divide the lemonade among 4 - 6 tall, ice filled glasses and garnish with the lemon wedges and basil sprigs.

Reviews

[Maito]

I used a fourth of the vanilla so it wouldn't be too overpowering, but it was still very strong to me. The basil flavor is quite subtle, so I am wondering if what the other reviewers were detecting was the vanilla. I thought this would be great as a frozen dessert, so put it in the ice cream machine. It made an excellent and very fluffy "shave ice" that we thoroughly enjoyed!

 

[NorthwestGal]

This was a very different but refreshing lemonade drink. I think it would be excellent on a very hot day, and maybe with a little less basil, as 1 cup of fresh basil seemed a little much for our taste buds. But the addition of the vanilla bean really enhanced this drink the most. Thanks, Chef Edlear.

 

[Tinkerbell]

I'm really torn here. I have to go with 4 stars because when I make it this summer I'll have to cut the basil down to about 1/2 cup. I personally love the full flavor but it's too strong for DH & the kids. I used fresh squeezed lemons & sweet basil. DH's comment was that the combination of lemon & basil was very refreshing but the initial punch of basil was a surprise. We'll be serving it this summer at our backyard BBQs. Thanks for sharing, Chef Edlear! Make & enjoyed for Spring 2009 Pick A Chef Orphanage.

 

[Sharon123]

Wow! Packed with flavor from the basil and vanilla, this is quite a treat! Thanks for posting! Made for Pic a Chef!