Refreshing Peach Basil Lemonade Large Batch Recipe Easy Perfect Summer Drink
A sweet, tangy, and herbaceous summer drink combining ripe peaches, fresh lemon juice, and basil, perfect for large gatherings or solo refreshment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium fresh peaches, sliced
- 1 cup (240 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 15–20 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently bruised
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) water (split between boiling water for syrup and cold water for diluting)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional: honey or agave syrup (in place of sugar)
- Optional: club soda or sparkling water (to top off)
- Optional: lemon slices and extra basil sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the peach syrup: In a large saucepan, combine sliced peaches, 1 cup sugar, and 2 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until peaches soften and liquid thickens slightly.
- Strain the syrup: Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Press peach slices gently to extract juice. Discard solids or save for smoothies. Let syrup cool completely (about 30 minutes).
- Juice the lemons: While syrup cools, juice enough lemons to yield 1 cup fresh lemon juice. Strain seeds and set aside.
- Prepare the basil: Gently muddle 15-20 basil leaves in a bowl or pitcher using a muddler or wooden spoon to release oils without shredding.
- Mix the lemonade: In a large pitcher, combine cooled peach syrup, fresh lemon juice, muddled basil, and 4 cups cold water. Stir well and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed.
- Chill and serve: Add ice cubes to pitcher or glasses. Garnish with lemon slices and basil sprigs. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Notes
Simmer peach syrup gently to avoid mushy texture and cloudy syrup. Cool syrup completely before mixing to preserve fresh flavors. Muddle basil gently to avoid bitterness. Adjust sweetness to taste. Syrup can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. For a fizzy version, add club soda or sparkling water before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz / 240 ml
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: peach basil lemonade, summer drink, refreshing lemonade, peach syrup, basil lemonade, large batch lemonade, easy summer drink