Roasted Strawberry and Basil Lemonade Recipe
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
25 minutes
Servings:
4 Servings
Ingredients
  • ½ pound fresh strawberries
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
  • ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 2 ½ cups cold water, divided
  • 2 lemons
  • 4 sprigs fresh basil, for garnishing
Directions
  1. Preheat the oven to 450 F.
  2. Hull and quarter the strawberries, reserving a few for garnishing, if desired.
  3. Transfer strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt to a small baking dish and stir to combine.
  4. Roast, uncovered, for 20 to 24 minutes or until the strawberries are tender and just starting to brown along the edges. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
  5. In a small pot, stir to combine remaining ½ cup sugar with ½ cup water and bring to a simmer. Optional: For an aromatic basil flavor, add 5 to 6 basil leaves to the syrup and cover. Set aside to infuse for 15 minutes.
  6. Puree strawberry mixture in a small food processor or blender until smooth.
  7. Strain strawberry puree into a small bowl.
  8. Strain in the juice of 2 lemons and mix in the simple syrup.
  9. Pour mixture into a large pitcher and stir in remaining 2 cups water.
  10. Fill 4 glasses halfway up with ice cubes.
  11. Pour lemonade into each glass.
  12. Garnish with lemon slices, strawberries, and/or basil sprigs as desired and serve immediately.
  13. Optional: Top each glass with a shot of vodka before serving.