Description
A refreshing summer drink with homemade raspberry syrup, fresh lemon juice, and aromatic basil. Sweet, tart, and vibrant!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup fresh raspberries, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water (for simple syrup)
- 1 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6–8 lemons)
- 4 cups cold water (for the drink)
- 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Optional: Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Combine raspberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan.
- Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, gently mashing the raspberries with the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a heat-proof bowl or jar, pressing down on the solids to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the pulp.
- Cool completely before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Gently wash and dry the basil leaves.
- Optional: Gently muddle the basil leaves in a shaker or pitcher for a stronger basil flavor.
- In a large pitcher, combine the cooled raspberry simple syrup, lemon juice, and cold water. Stir well.
- Add the prepared basil leaves (muddled or not) to the pitcher. Gently stir.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed by adding more simple syrup, lemon juice, or water.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the Raspberry Lemon Basil Drink over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries, lemon slices, and a sprig of fresh basil.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Variations:
- Sparkling: Substitute sparkling water or club soda for regular water.
- Adult Version: Add a shot of vodka or gin to each glass.
- Other Berries: Use strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries in the simple syrup.
- Other Herbs: Try mint or rosemary instead of basil.
- Sweetener: Use honey or agave nectar instead of sugar.
- Frozen Fruit: Use frozen raspberries in the simple syrup.
- Lemonade Concentrate: Use lemonade concentrate instead of fresh lemon juice, adjusting sweetness accordingly.
- Basil Simple Syrup: Make a separate basil simple syrup for a more intense basil flavor.
- Infused Water: Infuse water with raspberries, lemon slices, and basil leaves for a lighter version.
- Presentation: Use fancy glasses, colorful straws, and unique garnishes.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving.
- The key to a great Raspberry Lemon Basil Drink is to balance the flavors. You want the sweetness of the raspberries to complement the tartness of the lemon, and the basil to add a subtle herbal note. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ratios until you find the perfect balance for your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes