Lovely Lemon Basil Lemonade for a Hot Florida Afternoon

Some plants are easy to fall in love with before you even know what to do with them. That’s exactly how I felt about lemon basil.

I recently started growing it hydroponically mostly because I loved the fragrance. Every time I rubbed the leaves between my fingers, it smelled bright, fresh, and almost sparkling, like basil and lemonade somehow merged into one plant. But for a while, I honestly wasn’t sure how I wanted to use it.

Then came one of those blazing hot Florida afternoons where even walking outside for a few minutes makes an iced drink sound like the greatest idea anyone has ever had.

I already had lemons in the kitchen, a thriving little lemon basil plant nearby, and suddenly the idea seemed obvious.

So I made a simple lemon basil lemonade for my husband, and he absolutely loved it.

The lemon basil gives the lemonade a soft herbal brightness that tastes surprisingly refreshing without overpowering the lemon. It feels a little more special than regular lemonade, but still very simple and easy to make. If you grow lemon basil, or happen to spot it at a garden center, this is such a lovely way to use it.

Fresh lemon basil from my hydroponic garden.

What Is Lemon Basil?

Lemon basil is a variety of basil with a naturally citrusy aroma and flavor. The leaves are smaller and lighter than traditional sweet basil, and the scent is incredibly fresh. It’s often used in teas, infused drinks, and light summer dishes because of its bright lemony notes.

My favorite thing about it though, is rubbing the leaves between my fingers to release that bright citrusy fragrance.

Lovely Lemon Basil Lemonade

This recipe makes a small batch that’s perfect for sharing with two people on a hot afternoon.

Ingredients

• 2 lemons

• 6–10 lemon basil leaves

• 4 cups cold water

• 4–6 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• Ice

Instructions

1. Add the lemon basil leaves and sugar to a small pitcher.

2. Gently muddle the leaves with the sugar using a spoon or wooden utensil to help release the oils and fragrance.

3. Let the mixture sit for 2–3 minutes to more fully release the oils.

4. Juice both lemons into the pitcher and stir.

5. Add a small amount of water and mix well until the sugar begins dissolving. Warm water can help speed this up.

6. Add the remaining cold water and ice.

7. Let the lemonade sit for 5–10 minutes so the lemon basil flavor can fully infuse. Strain before serving, or leave the leaves in for a pretty and fragrant garnish.

A Little Note

One thing I’ve been enjoying lately is finding small ways to use the things we’re growing instead of just admiring them from afar.

There’s something satisfying about stepping over to a little hydroponic garden, clipping a few fragrant leaves, and turning them into something that feels refreshing and seasonal on an ordinary afternoon.

Especially in the Florida heat.