Honeydew and Basil Lemonade
User Reviews
5
Honeydew and Basil Lemonade
Description
Honeydew and Basil Lemonade combines the juicy sweetness of honeydew melon with the tart brightness of Meyer lemon juice and a fresh herbal lift from basil leaves. By blending and straining the ingredients, it achieves a smooth, slightly pulpy texture, with a lovely pale green color varying by basil and melon type. Coconut sugar adds mild sweetness, which can be adjusted to taste. The lemonade is then diluted with fresh or sparkling water to balance flavors and refresh the palate.
The drink's flavor profile is lightly sweet, tart, and herbaceous, with the basil providing a subtle, aromatic note that complements the melon and lemon. The method of blending and straining ensures the lemonade is smooth without fibrous bits. It can be served chilled in glasses garnished with basil leaves and lemon wedges for a fresh presentation.
Options for serving include making a sparkling version by adding carbonated water, or turning it into a cocktail by adding vodka and rimming the glass with coconut or monk fruit sugar. The recipe suggests taste adjustments for sweetness, tartness, or herbal intensity, allowing customization to individual preferences.
Notes emphasize the use of Meyer lemons for their sweeter, floral flavor, and mention that regular lemons may require additional sweetener. The recipe can also be adapted with a juice extractor or alternative melons like cantaloupe. Straining with a nut milk bag is recommended for a clearer drink. Color and flavor intensity depend on the basil and melon ripeness.
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups lemon 310 ml, freshly squeezed juice from about 6-8 Meyer lemons depending on size, see note
- 5 cups honeydew melon 720 grams, chopped, about half depending on size
- ½ cup basil leaves plus more to garnish (about 10 grams, loosely packed, sweet, fresh
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar or more to taste, 27 grams, or monk fruit sweetener
- 2 cups water 500 ml, plus more as needed, fresh or sparkling, see note
Instructions
- Add lemon juice, honeydew melon, basil, and sweetener in a blender.
- Blend until you get a beautiful greenish juice and the basil and melon are completely broken down.
- Use a large strainer and pour the drink mixture through the strainer into a large pitcher
- Alternatively, you can use a nut milk bag—my preferred choice. Place the bag in a large bowl. Pour in the basil liquid. Close the bag at the top and gently start squeezing out the juice over the bowl until you only have pulp left in the bag. Discard any pulp—you will have very little. Then pour the basil lemonade into a pitcher.
- Combine with water using a whisk. Stir well.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste, if desired.
- Pour into your favorite glass(es) and garnish with some extra Basil leaves and lemon wedges.
- See note on making a sparkling drink or a basil lemonade cocktail.
Notes
- Use Meyer lemons for a sweeter, floral lemon flavor; increase sweetener if using regular lemons to balance tartness.
- Straining through a nut milk bag yields a smoother lemonade with minimal pulp.
- For a sparkling version, add carbonated water after straining the blended ingredients.
- To make a cocktail, rim the glass with coconut or monk fruit sugar, add vodka, and fill with lemonade.
- Adjust sweetness, tartness, and basil amount to taste before serving.
- Ripe honeydew melon is key for a juicy, nectarous base; cantaloupe can be substituted.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 63 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 63kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 43mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 386mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 180IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 47mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 19mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.4mg | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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