Description
A refreshing, non-alcoholic summer drink made with a homemade peach-basil syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water. It offers a complex, herbal flavor profile that is perfect for parties or hot afternoons.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large ripe fresh peaches (about 600g)
- 1 large bunch fresh basil (about 30–40 leaves)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for syrup)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (for drink, approx. 4–5 lemons)
- 4–6 cups sparkling water (1–1.5 liters)
- Ice
- Extra basil sprigs for garnish
- Peach slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the peaches and basil: Wash peaches and basil. If peeling, score peaches and blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, then ice water. Chop peaches into small pieces. Tear basil leaves by hand.
- Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine chopped peaches, torn basil, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low.
- Simmer: Cook gently for 15-20 minutes until peaches break down into a jammy mixture and the liquid turns pink-orange.
- Cool and strain: Remove from heat and let cool completely. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on solids to extract juice. Discard pulp and leaves.
- Finish syrup: Stir 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into the cooled syrup. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
- Assemble: In a large pitcher, combine the peach-basil syrup and ½ cup fresh lemon juice. Add 2 cups cold water to dilute.
- Add fizz: Slowly pour in sparkling water to preserve bubbles. Stir gently.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice. Pour lemonade over ice. Garnish with a basil sprig and peach slice.
Notes
Chill the syrup completely before mixing with sparkling water to maintain carbonation. Do not over-stir when adding sparkling water. The syrup can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the fridge. For a smoother texture, strain the syrup twice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: peach lemonade, basil lemonade, sparkling lemonade, summer drink, non-alcoholic cocktail, gluten-free recipe, vegan drink, fresh peach recipe