Cherry Basil Lemonade is a refreshing seasonal drink made with a fresh cherry syrup in a sweet and sour lemonade with more fresh cherries and basil.
Cherries are in season right now and they have been perfectly sweet and great for snacking, in desserts or to make a refreshing drink. Cherries are not just delicious but are also healthy. They offer Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and even a little protein. With the anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties cherries contain, they should be on your shopping list this season.
Cherry Basil Lemonade
Cherry Basil Lemonade is slightly sour as lemonade often is but with a nice sweetness from the cherries. Basil is added for a nice aroma and the peppery flavor.
Also try this recipe for Strawberry Lemonade made with fresh lemons.
Tips & Tricks
Cherry Pit
There are multiple techniques to pit a cherry including using a Cherry Pitter. I prefer the pastry tip method. This involves pushing a pastry tip through the center of the cherry quickly to remove the pit. Visit The Spruce Eats for details on this method and others.
Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is one of those things everyone should know how to cook. A basic simple syrup is equal parts water and granulated sugar. From there, you can develop SO MANY different syrups. I like to use fresh fruits to to reduce the sugar and lemon juice to add extra flavor over water. Bring the ingredients to a simmer for 8 minutes or so and then strain through a sieve. Let cool, place into a sealed container and store in the refrigerator. Use simple syrups in bar cocktails, iced teas and other cold beverages, to make sorbet, to make candied citrus fruits and more.
Check out this recipe for a Magnolia Lemon Pie with Candied Lemons.
Cherry Basil Lemonade
Ingredients
Cherry Basil Lemonade
- 12 cherries pitted and halved
- 12 basil leaves
- +/- 3 cups lemonade
- 4 whole cherries garnish
- cherry simple syrup
Cherry Syrup
- 1 cup cherries pitted and halved
- 2 Tablespoons sugar
- 1 lemon juiced
Instructions
Cherry Syrup
- Remove pits of 1 cup worth of cherries and cut into halves. Place into a saucepan on a medium heat.
- Add sugar and the juice from 1 lemon. Bring to a low simmer for 8 minutes stirring often.
- Strain through a sieve to make the simple syrup.
Cherry Basil Lemonade
- Divide the simple syrup into 4 glasses.
- Fill each glass with ice.
- Chop 12 basil leaves and divide into glasses.
- Pit 12 cherries and cut into halves. Divide into each glass.
- Top with lemonade and garnish with a cherry. Basil sprig garnish is optional.
What are some of your favorite recipes that use fresh cherries? Let me know in the comments below.
This looks so perfect for summer! And I have a basil plant that I love to put to use. 😀
Yes! My basil looks great this year so basil everything!
Oh this looks so gorgeous and refreshing for summer! Love it!!
OUH!! definitely gonna try that drink in summer!