Strawberry Basil Spiked Lemonade. This vodka-spiked cocktail is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for summer.
The first time I photographed this recipe nearly five years ago, I set the glasses on the bathroom tile — yes, bathroom — because I was just starting out and didn’t have a proper photo space. Since then James has teasingly called these Strawberry Basil Spiked Lemonade cocktails “the toilet drinks.” It’s not the most flattering nickname, but the cocktails themselves are worth the jokes.
I finally retook photos in a better spot, far from any tiles, because this is a drink I make all summer long. It’s worth spending a few extra minutes photographing before serving up a pitcher to guests.
This lemonade is my go-to for warm-weather gatherings because it consistently pleases a crowd. Many people have strong preferences about spirits — some dislike rum or tequila — but vodka blends seamlessly into this recipe. The strawberry-basil syrup and fresh lemon juice mask any strong alcohol flavor, resulting in a light, fruity, and refreshing cocktail that doesn’t taste overly boozy. If you prefer a different profile, swap in gin or rum for a new twist; the base is flexible.
If you’re serving both drinkers and non-drinkers, you can easily make a non-alcoholic version. Before adding vodka, set aside some of the lemonade and dilute it with extra water to keep the flavor balanced. Be sure to label alcoholic and alcohol-free pitchers so they don’t get mixed up.
About the strawberry-basil simple syrup: this is the best method for flavored lemonade. Instead of muddling or pureeing and risking seeds, undissolved sugar, or torn basil leaves, simmer the strawberries, basil, sugar, and water together. Straining the mixture removes solids and yields a smooth, evenly flavored syrup that mixes cleanly into the lemonade — no unpleasant bits at the bottom of the glass.
I made this batch for a recent game night and it was an unexpected hit — guests cheered when they saw a whole pitcher ready to share. Even with my cocktail experience, I was surprised by how many compliments it received. James still shouted, “Toilet drinks for everyone!” but nobody minded. The recipe disappears quickly, so plan on making more than you think you’ll need.
And the other lesson I learned is obvious: never photograph drinks on a tile floor again.
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Strawberry Basil Spiked Lemonade
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Author: Morgan
Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 ½–2 cups strawberry basil simple syrup (recipe below)
- 1 ½ cups lemon juice (about 10 lemons)
- 5 cups water
- 2 cups vodka
- Sliced strawberries, lemon wheels, and basil leaves for garnish
For the strawberry basil simple syrup:
- 1 pound strawberries, chopped
- 1 small bunch fresh basil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Add 5 cups water, 2 cups vodka, and 1 ½ cups lemon juice to a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled.
- Combine the chopped strawberries, basil, 2 cups sugar, and 2 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and breaking up the strawberries to release their juice and bruise the basil to release its oils.
- Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove solids, leaving a smooth strawberry-basil syrup.
- Stir up to 2 cups of the simple syrup into the chilled lemonade mixture, adjusting to taste. Fill the pitcher with ice and add extra sliced strawberries, lemon wheels, and basil leaves if desired. Chill briefly before serving.
Equipment
Medium Sauce Pan
Pitcher
Wooden Spoon
- Prep Time: 7 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
