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(This article was originally published on January 17, 2021 and was last updated on July 21, 2022)
This flavored basil and coconut water lemonade is a refreshing, delicious way to stay hydrated in the heat of summer!
Basil, lemon and coconut water combine to make this one delicious beverage.
It’s perfect for those hot days when you need something refreshing to quench your thirst!
When summer is in full swing at our house, we spend a ton of time outside.
When the gorgeous whether hits, we’re hitting up BBQs and picnics, spending our days by the pool, hiking in the hills, and watering the plants in the garden!
And you know what’s absolutely perfect for this kind of weather? And to take to a BBQ or picnic and be an absolute hero?
Freshly made lemonade!
Homemade lemonade made from real lemons, pulp and all. So refreshing.
Coconut Water Lemonade = Next Level Lemonade
But here’s the thing.
Why make fresh homemade lemonade with plain ol’ water when you can make it with coconut water?
And why make your coconut water lemonade plain, when you could add some gorgeous flavor twists in the form of fresh basil and a bit of fresh mint? Believe it or not, coconut and basil go well together.
This is a fantastic recipe for using up basil you’ve grown from seed, cuttings, or a mature plant, and a great way to use up a harvest from pruning.
Coconut Water Lemonade is Refreshing and Practical
This recipe is great for a picnic, but it’s also a pretty awesome treat after a workout, since the coconut water is packed with goodness for recovery and beating the heat.
Seriously, coconut water is like Mother Nature’s gatorade.
It will quench your thirst, and that’s because it contains essential electrolytes that your body needs and loves.
I’m talking about calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and sodium, friends, to replenish the mineral-packed fluids your body loses when it sweats.
So enjoy! This is going to quench your thirst on a hot day, and the sweetness of the basil addition and fresh mint will really knock your socks off.
This Basil Coconut Water Lemonade is a refreshing summer drink that will have you wanting more.
How to Make this Basil Coconut Water Lemonade
Basil Simple Syrup
To make this recipe, you need basil simple syrup, which is super easy to make, but takes a bit of time to make and let cool!
You only need 3 ingredients for the simple syrup: water, white sugar, and fresh basil leaves.
You could also throw in some basil flowers, if you have them.
Anytime you’re cooking with fresh basil, I recommend you ensure you’re using healthy leaves. That means no yellowing, brown spots or black spots, no holes in the leaves, no signs of mildew or disease, and no wilting (which will impact flavor).
To make, just add water, sugar, and basil leaves to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let it simmer for another minute or so, and then remove from heat and let the mixture steep for at least half-an-hour.
Pour the syrup through a strainer or sieve to remove basil leaves, and store in a sterilized jar.
Before using it in your coconut water lemonade, however, you need to let it cool completely!
Making the Basil and Coconut Water Lemonade
 | Prep Time: 5 mins |
| Cook Time: |
| Total Time: 5 mins |
 | Yield: 4-6 |
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of basil simple syrup (can add more or less to adjust for your sweetness preference)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 litre of coconut water
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 to 3 medium lemons)
- 1 small bunch of mint, washed with leaves picked from stem
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Make the basil simple syrup ahead of time.
- Add water, sugar, and basil leaves to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let it simmer for another minute or so.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture steep for at least 30 minutes.
- Pour the syrup through a strainer or sieve and into a sterilized jar for storage. Ensure all the basil leaves are removed.
- Let cool before using.
- Make the lemonade:
- In a pitcher, combine coconut water, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Stir vigorously to mix.
- Add sliced lemons, fresh mint and ice.
- Stir again, and enjoy.