Healthy Blackberry Basil Lemonade
User Reviews
5
Healthy Blackberry Basil Lemonade
Description
The recipe combines maple syrup and fresh lemon juice diluted with either still or sparkling water for the lemonade base, providing a balance of sweet and tart flavors. Blackberries and basil are pureed together and strained to extract their juices without seeds or pulp, lending a fresh berry sweetness and herbal note. The drink is served chilled over ice, making it a refreshing choice for warm days or gatherings.
The lemonade's sweetness level can be modified by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or water used, as noted in the recipe tips. For those interested, adding a measure of vodka or gin per serving turns this into a light adult beverage. The straining through a fine mesh sieve ensures a smooth texture free from seeds or coarse bits.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup maple syrup ~180 mL, pure
- 1 cup lemon juice 240 mL, freshly squeezed (about 6 large juicy lemons
- 6 to 8 cups water or sparkling water, 1.4 -1.9 L
- 12 ounces blackberries 340g, fresh
- 1/2 cup basil ~10g, leaves
- ice for serving
- Optional: to make this an adult beverage, add 1 – 1.5 ounces (30-45 mL) of vodka or gin per serving, and stir to combine.
Instructions
- Combine the maple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir in the water or sparkling water.
- Add the blackberries and basil to a food processor. Puree until the berries are completely broken down.
- Transfer the blackberry-basil puree to a fine mesh sieve placed over a bowl or over the pitcher. Using a large spoon, continuously press the puree through the sieve so the juice goes into the bowl/pitcher and all the fruit pulp and seeds are left in the sieve. Reserve the pulp and seeds for another use, such as smoothies or jam.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by using less maple syrup or more water if preferred.
- Use fresh lemon juice and blackberries for best flavor and natural brightness.
- The reserved blackberry and basil pulp can be repurposed in smoothies or jams to avoid waste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 214 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 214kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 7mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 345mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 42g | 84% |
| Vitamin A | 344IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 42mg | 47% |
| Calcium | 99mg | 10% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
