I don’t know about you, but my summer has been insanely busy! From catering huge parties for 100 people, cooking for small dinner parties and fundraisers, taking a few vacations, remembering that I have to sleep from time to time, and planning some new exciting things for What’s Gaby Cooking… this last month has felt like a whirlwind of activity! When I get super busy and just need a little time to myself to relax, there is nothing quite like sitting by the pool, basking in the sun, with a nice refreshing drink. This Basil Infused Limeade was just the thing I needed this past weekend when trying to catch up with life.
Ever since I made my Strawberry Basil Lemonade earlier this spring, I have been obsessed with adding basil to beverages. I add it to cocktails, I add it to water with a few slices of fruit and I add it to non-alcoholic beverages too! This limeade is super simple to make and it is the perfect accessory for a hot summer day for both kids and adults.
I brought this along for a weekend picnic with friends recently, and it was devoured in a matter of seconds. It is the perfect combination of a childhood favorite drink with a little sass from the infused basil. Not to mention, homemade limeade is really quite simple and so much better than store bought limeade because you can really taste the freshness from the limes!
[print_link]
Basil Infused Limeade
Ingredients:
3 cups warm water
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp lime zest
1 cup lime juice
1 cup basil leaves
Directions:
In a large pitcher combine the water, sugar and lime zest and stir to combine. Add the lime juice and basil leave and let the mixture marinate for at least 2 hours. Pour the mixture through a strainer into another pitcher. Add ice and serve.
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
Ooh we love limeade in our house. I am sure this is delicious!
What gorgeous photos, Gaby! This looks refreshing and so lovely.
I love lime drinks! Looks so refreshing!
YUMMY! I can practically taste this right now
You have inspired me to use basil with my sweets! This drink looks very refreshing, it would be a hit in this house for sure. xo
YUM! you can move in to my house if you make this on a weekly basis. this looks amazingly delicious! bring this on Saturday??!! gorgeous photo!
I am totally going to bring this Saturday! Can’t wait to see you! xo
Mmmmm. Sitting by the pool sounds good enough for me, but adding this to the poolside sounds even better!! My basil is almost big enough to start using, so I will add this to my file!
Looks delicious! Are you bringing it to the potluck by any chance?
heck yes I am bringing it to the pot luck!!!! woohooo
This sounds really refreshing- perfect for summer! And I just love drinks in jars
I know right!?? There is just something so awesome about drinks from a jar!
Love the pics. Basil infused limeade sounds refreshing
This looks like just the drink to beat the heat, Gaby – Great recipe! It reminds me of the potent “beerita” (beer-limeade-tequila) that friends served up for July 4th, haha! Actually pretty good, and tasted just like a margarita…
omg I have totally had a beerita before!! Can we bring those to the pot luck on Saturday! hehe
Lemme just tell you, this picture is enough to make me go out and buy a case of limes. What a refreshing idea for a bunch of busy ladies! Thanks for the inspiration. xoxoxo
You sound like me Gaby – I’m addicted to basil. I’m so ridiculous that I grow about 12 different kinds every year.
WHAT!! 12 Kinds of Basil….. that’s it…. clear out the guest room… I’m moving in!
I love the idea of combining basil and lime, what a great drink!
This is perfect for summer and so easy to prepare. I have recently discovered basil and love adding it to everything as well.
Right now my basil plant is almost dead but if it wasn’t I would be putting basil in everything! It’s my favorite summer drink ingredient, I definitely will give this a try!
Sounds like a great drink. I can’t wait to try making it.
MMM This sounds so good! I remember having something like this at The Naked Lunch in San Francisco. I was in love with it! now i am super excited to make it myself! Thanks Gaby
{ 2 trackbacks }