I helped a friend host a baby shower last week. The mother-to-be was expecting a baby boy. I had to come up with a cocktail that could also be a mocktail, and was blue (or blue-ish) in colour. Boozy Berry Basil Lemonade can be made with a berry vodka, or without. Both versions are equally delicious!
Please note, this post contains affiliate links that help me offset the costs of managing this blog at no cost to you
Basil Simple Syrup
After making this recipe, I am obsessed with basil simple syrup. I can’t wait to make more cocktails and other drinks with it in the future. The simple syrup is so easy to make, even with the basil! To make it, heat 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1/2 oz of whole basil leaves in a small saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk constantly with a fork until all sugar is dissolved. Note, poke the whole basil leaves with the fork to release more basil-goodness. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and let stand for fifteen minutes. Lastly, remove the basil leaves with a slotted spoon.
Blended Berry Mixture
Berry Basil Lemonade gets the pretty color from a blended mixture of blueberries and strawberries. Plus #winning with the fresh fruit! A Vitamix does a great job of blending berry seeds. Get one here if you don’t have one yet. Vitamix blenders pulverize all kinds of things. It’s a must have for smooth soups, pureéd coulis, and stellar smoothies.
Not in the mood for berries, but in the mood for something citrus? Try this Blushing Grapefruit Rose Cocktail – it is citrus season after all!
Boozy Berry Basil Lemonade
A beautiful mix of berries, basil and lemons come together to make this tasty Berry Basil Lemonade cocktail (or mocktail) that's perfect for a crowd!
Ingredients
Basil Simple Syrup
- 2 cup white sugar
- 2 cup water
- 1 oz whole, fresh basil leaves
Berry Puree
- 12 oz blueberries
- 12 oz strawberries stems removed, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 whole fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp white sugar
Boozy Berry Basil Lemonade
- 1.5 cups basil simple syrup
- 1 cup berry puree
- 6 cups lemonade
- 2 cups berry vodka Three Olives Triple Berry
- juice of 4 lemons
- 2 cups sparkling water plain
Berry Basil Lemonade (Non-Alcoholic)
- 1 cup basil simple syrup
- 1 cup berry puree
- 4 cups lemonade
- juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup sparkling water plain
Instructions
Basil Simple Syrup
-
In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients over medium to medium high heat. Continually (and gently) whisk with a fork until all sugar is dissolved. While whisking, poke the whole basil leaves with the fork prongs to release more basil goodness.
-
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat. Let the basil leaves steep for 15 minutes. Strain out basil leaves, and store the simple syrup in the fridge until ready to use.
Berry Puree
-
In a quality blender (I prefer a Vitamix), combine all ingredients until seeds are pulverized. The mixture will get a little gelatin-like as it sets. This is ok. Set aside until ready to use.
Berry Basil Lemonade (alcoholic and non-alcholic)
-
For either recipe, combine all listed ingredients in a moderately large pitcher or punch bowl. Add ice. Garnish with round lemon slices, whole blueberries and whole basil leaves.
-
Serve immediately over ice.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information (for Boozy Berry Basil Lemonade):
Note - estimated with 24 - 6 oz servings
Calories: 200; Total Fat: 0 g; Cholesterol: 0 g; Total Carbohydrates: 28 g; Sugars: 26 g; Total Fibre: 1 g; Protein: 0 g.
This is such a beautiful cocktail! I think I well get obessed with that basil simple syrup too! amazing recipe, giving this a try 🙂
Thank you! I hope you enjoy. Let me know what basil simple syrup cocktails you come up with.