Fresh Basil Blueberry Lemonade

With so many delicious fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs this time of year, it can be overwhelming. If you are wondering how you will ever use all that basil from your garden but want something other than pesto, why not try basil in a drink? This Blueberry Basil Lemonade is refreshing and unique. Perfect for using up some of that fresh basil and those blueberries sitting in your fridge! (It is also totally worth a trip to the grocery store.)

Thank you to Allyson Zea for sharing this amazing flavored lemonade combination!

Ingredients:

6 lemons
1 cup sugar
6 cups water
1/4 cup basil simple syrup (if making, you need 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves)
1/4 cup blueberry simple syrup (if making you need 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries)
blueberries and lemons for garnish

Directions For Basil Simple Syrup:

Mix 1 cup  sugar and 1 cup of water in a small sauce pan.  Add 1/2 cup or more (a handful) of clean basil leaves to the pot.  Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.  Reduce heat to low and simmer a minimum of 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from the heat and cool completely. Using a fine strainer,  strain/pour the syrup into an airtight container. Discard leaves.

Directions for Blueberry Simple Syrup:

Mix 1 cup  sugar and 1 cup of water in a small sauce pan.  Add 1/3 cup berries to the pot.  Bring to simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar.  Reduce heat to low and simmer a minimum of 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. (Be sure it is a low simmer or syrup may harden when cooled.) Remove from the heat and cool completely. Using a fine strainer,  strain/pour the syrup into an airtight container. Discard berries.

Directions for Lemonade:

Juice lemons and add juice to a large pitcher taking care that there are no seeds.  Add 1 cup sugar, 6 cups water, basil and blueberry simple syrups and stir to combine and dissolve sugar.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour prior to serving. Serve in glasses with ice and garnish with lemons and blueberries.
Sit back and enjoy!