I don’t know there was ever a better flavor pairing than strawberry and basil.  And when they’re combined in a fresh homemade lemonade recipe, the result is out of this world… the result is refreshing, punchy and the perfect balance of flavors.  Now make the thing boozy, and you’ve got yourself a dangerously easy-to-drink batch cocktail on a hot summer’s day.  Enter my Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade.  

Today’s recipe was actually inspired by the strawberry shortcake my mother recently made for me on my birthday.  I used the extra strawberry puree from the shortcake recipe, grabbed the rest of the ingredients I had on hand, and started messing around.  

I started by pouring regular vodka in the cocktail shaker since I didn’t have basil vodka at home.  I did, however, pull fresh basil from the garden and muddled it in the bottom of the glasses, saving some for garnish at the end.  Basil, like rosemary, goes a long way in cocktails so you really don’t need that much per each drink.  

Next, I added equal parts lemonade and club soda to the shaker.  If you like your lemonade on the sweeter side, go a little heavier on the lemonade.  I used our John Daly recipe for the lemonade here—though you can of course use store-bought lemonade if it’s easier for your occasion—because I knew I would use the sugar cane sticks when garnishing to serve.  These are the sugar sticks typically used in Mojitos, and they can be a bit difficult to find sometimes.  But when I find them, I stock up, because I love how they add a little sweetness to your drink as you chew on them.  

Because I don’t mind having actual fruit puree in my drink, I simply poured the strawberry puree in the drinks.  But if you’re a no-pulp kind of person, consider straining the puree into the glasses when serving for a less chunky effect.  I share my simple recipe for the puree below; all you’ll need is fresh strawberries, sugar and some time for them to macerate.  

All in all, this recipe is your ultimate batch drink.  It’s easy, refreshing, and a true crowd-pleaser this time of year.  When serving, I love using my pink footed goblets by Juliska atop this beautiful wood and marble board from Waiting on Martha Home.   And think how pretty it would be with all of the ingredients set up in a DIY serve-yourself bar at a bridal luncheon, baby shower or barbecue!  Truly, MKR

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Boozy Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Ingredients

• 2 oz. basil vodka (regular vodka can be substituted)
• equal parts lemonade* and club soda, more lemonade if you prefer it sweeter
• 1 fresh basil leaf to muddle
• strawberry puree**
• plus basil leaf and strawberry to garnish
• *Homemade lemonade recipe linked in post, store-bought can also be used
• **For Strawberry Puree
• fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• if you're fine with the chunks, mash lightly and let it sit there. Otherwise you can use a strainer to get rid of chunks

Instructions

1. For strawberry puree:
2. Mash strawberries and sugar together, let sit to macerate.
3. If you're fine with chunks of strawberry, pour entire mixture into cocktail below.
4. Otherwise, use a strainer to omit the large pieces of fruit.
5. For cocktail:
6. Muddle basil leaf at bottom of glass.
7. Pour vodka in cocktail shaker.
8. Add half lemonade, half club soda to cocktail shaker.
9. Shake, shake, shake.
10. Pour into glass with muddle basil.
11. Add strawberry puree into glass.
12. Garnish with basil leaf and strawberry, and serve.

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