Blueberry Basil Lemonade

This EVERYONE-approved lemonade is the perfect refreshing summer beverage; modestly sweetened with honey and flavored with fresh blueberries and a hint of basil.

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It’s been SO HOT the past week. It is July in Kansas after all. The heat of the sun is so intense it really makes you wonder if you could indeed fry an egg on the pavement. Anyone ever tried that?

With the heat comes an increase in water intake in attempt to stay adequately hydrated. I’d be lying if I said there was anything that went down better than water on a hot summer day.

BUT on occasion water just doesn’t do it. It’s rather plain ya know.

In comes lemonade, the second most refreshing kid-friendly summer beverage. See how I threw in the “kid-friendly” bit there? That’s because an ice-cold beer would actually be the runner up on my fave summer drinks list.

Anywho, this easy blueberry lemonade is sweetened with honey so it is not overwhelmingly sweet. This allows the natural flavor of the lemon, blueberries, and basil to shine.

This drink just screams summer. The combination is so incredibly refreshing and pleasing to the palate. It’s tart and slightly sweet with hints of herby goodness from the fresh basil.

So what do you need to make this lemonade? ( + substitutions)

• Honey: Could sub for white sugar.
• Water: For the simple syrup and the lemonade.
• Fresh blueberries: It’s blueberry season!!
• Fresh basil
• Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed is an absolute must for homemade lemonade.

How do you make blueberry basil lemonade? ( + tips)

Begin by adding one cup of water and the honey to a small saucepan, then bring it to a boil.

Add the blueberries and basil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for five minutes. The blueberries should have broken down by then.

Using a fine sieve, strain the blueberries and basil, pressing down on the blueberries with a fork or your hands to release all the juices. Discard the blueberries and basil.

Place the blueberry basil simple syrup in the refrigerator or freezer until cool.

Once cool, fill a large pitcher with six cups of water and stir in the lemon juice and blueberry basil simple syrup.

Serve over ice and garnish with blueberries, lemon slices/wedges, and basil leaves if desired.

How to store

Refrigerate for up to one week.

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If you make this blueberry basil lemonade I’d love your feedback. Please leave a comment and/or a rating below as I greatly value your opinion. Or snap a pic and tag me on Instagram @taoofspiceblog. Love, light and happy cooking ya’ll ♥