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Sparkling Basil Lemonade

September 6, 2012 by Jaida Leave a Comment

How ’bout that Cowboys/Giants game last night?? I’m a Texas girl, so you know I have to root for the Texas teams, Cowgirls and all. 😉
Now that football season is back in full force, football parties/tailgating are the highlight of every weekend. And while many of us love to enjoy adult beverages while we watch, not everyone does and this Sparkling Basil Lemonade is a great alternative beverage to enjoy in this heat!! It’ll be hot in Texas for another 2 months, so we have plenty of time to enjoy, y’all.
I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about the addition of basil…it can be an overpowering herb and I have a strong love for lemonade. I didn’t want it ruined. It was definitely not ruined!! The basil, infused in a simple syrup, was subtle and enhanced the flavor of the lemonade. And the jalapeno slices added in at the end (I de-seeded mine) did not make the drink spicy, so don’t worry about that!

I really enjoyed this drink and it will definitely be a summer staple for me. And for those of you who enjoy the adult beverages, you could always add a bit of vodka to spruce it up!

Sparkling Basil Lemonade
Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Ingredients

  • 4 cups water
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves (about 1-1/2 ounces)
  • 2 1 liter bottles club soda, chilled
  • 2 cups lemon juice
  • Ice cubes
  • 1 fresh jalapeno chile pepper, sliced and seeds removed
  • Fresh basil leaves

Preparation

  1. For basil syrup, combine water, sugar, and basil in a large pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
  2. Strain syrup and discard leaves. Cover and chill syrup for 2 to 24 hours to let the flavors really blend.
  3. For lemonade, combine the chilled syrup, club soda, and lemon juice in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
  4. Serve over ice and garnish with jalapeno slices and fresh basil leaves.

Filed Under: Beverage

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As a busy wife and mom who also works a full time job, I try to have dinner done in 30 minutes or less so I can spend more of my evenings with my hubby and baby girl, so what you will find here are recipes that are mostly-healthy, quick and easy. Of course I have desserts, less healthy and more time-intensive meals as well (everything in moderation!), but all-in-all, you can count on weeknight friendly options, all made with love and dished up with a side of life, love, and family! Read More…

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