Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Raspberry Lemonade with Fresh Basil

Nothing beats fresh lemonade in the summer!  Ok, I lied...fresh lemonade with raspberries and basil does!  I had a large bouquet of basil in a glass sitting on my counter...so I thought what would be a better way to use it than in a drink...lemonade!  And how about some raspberries thrown in as well, for a lovely red color...and an interesting flavor!  I love berries and basil together, so I thought it would be a perfect addition to my lemonade!  When I make lemonade, I like to use agave syrup instead of sugar, because it dissolves well, and is kinder on the blood sugar...I use less than most people, because I like my lemonade  very tart, but if you are making this you can choose to use a little or a lot depending on how sweet you like it.  This drink is refreshing...sweet, tart, herby, and fruity...not your Grandma's lemonade!  Try it out while raspberries and basil are abundant!



Raspberry Lemonade with Fresh Basil
Serves 1
3/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
1 cup cold water
1-3 Tbsp agave nectar
Ice cubes
about 6 fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup fresh raspberries

In a large glass, place the basil, raspberries and a few  of the ice cubes.  Use the end part of a wooden spoon to muddle, or crush the berries and basil up a bit.  Top off with a bit more ice.  In another glass, stir together the lemon juice, water and agave (1 Tbsp if you like it tart, 3 if you like it sweet).  Pour the lemon mixture over the ice in the other glass, and enjoy!

7 comments:

Steve said...

I wonder if this would work with a simple syrup? That's how I make lemonade for my girls.

Lauren said...

I like that you used the agave nectar. I love that stuff! and, I love basil. I love it in pretty much anything. sounds so refreshing!

penny aka jeroxie said...

Looks so pretty!

howtobaker said...

Fresh squeezed lemonade is awesome! But I've never had raspberry lemonade. Since Oregon raspberries will be coming in to season soon I'll have to give this a try.

Stella said...

Wonderful Amy! I could go for a glass of this now and it's not even 9 in the morning yet. I might try to make this today. I think I have everything, and my Cauldron Boy would love it...

CC Recipe said...

This Lemonade looks wonderfully refreshing!

Caroline Taylor said...

This looks so good! I'll definitely be trying it soon.