Strawberry Basil Lemonade

This is a fun twist on traditional lemonade. Sounds a little weird, I know, but strawberries and basil really do pair well together!

I like to use chamomile tea as my base (instead of just water) because I think it gives the lemonade a more well-rounded, complex flavour. So often lemonade just tastes like tart sugar water. Obvioulsy strawberries and basil add a lot more flavour, but the chamomile gives them something to stand on. You could also use green, or another mild herbal tea. (But stay away from anything like orange pekoe and other black teas that have a very strong flavour of their own.)

INGREDIENTS
-1lb strawberries, washed and hulled
-1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
-8 lemons, juiced (approximately 1 cup juice)
-3 tsp bulk Stevia powder, or 1 cup sugar or sweetener of your choice (more to taste)
-3 chamomile tea bags, steaped

PREPARATION
Boil water and steep tea bags for 10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.

Place whole strawberries, basil, and lemon juice into blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Pour puree into pitcher, add chamomile tea, and fill pitcher with water. Allow mixture to cool in refrigerator. Once cooled, strain puree thorugh a wire mesh strainer. Add 1 cup of sugar (or sweetener of choice) to remaining liquid, top off with more water, and stir to dissolve. Pour and serve with a berry or basil garnish!

Tip for getting the most juice out of lemons (or limes or oranges): place in microwave for 30-60 seconds, then firmly roll the fruit with the palm of your hand on a hard surface. This breaks up the fibrous sections and makes them easier to juice.

For another lemonade alternative, check out my recipe for Chamomile Lemonade.