Friday, June 28, 2013

Honey Sweetened Basil Lemonade (Guest Post)


Remember a ways back when I did a guest post for Katja at The Savory Lotus? Well, now it's her turn to share something over here! 

I love Katja because our food views are pretty similar, so I can make most of her recipes without wanting to change a single thing. Which is pretty great when you're crunched for time and creativity! Plus, she's Finnish...

Here's what she made for us:




Summer time and the living is easy.  Sitting on the back porch enjoying the sunshine.  What could be better than a cold glass of lemonade?  How about  a cold glass of Honey-Sweetened Basil Lemonade?  Yes, please....



I love this time of year.  We get to spend countless hours outside enjoying the bounty of summer.  I look across the yard and see trees loaded with fruit, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries ready to pick, pumpkin plants so big that my little one could get lost in them, and fresh herbs galore.  I feel blessed to live in an area with such an amazing climate and long growing season.



The basil has pretty much taken over the little area I set aside for it.  This morning was the time to tame it back.  Pesto is always a family favorite.  But how about something a little different?   I still had a huge basket of lemons in the kitchen given to me by a friend.  This is what I came up with: Honey-Sweetened Basil Lemonade.



The recipe is quite simple:  Lemons, honey, basil, and water.  It does require a little bit of planning as the basil lemon syrup gets better the longer it sits.  I made the syrup in the evening before I went to bed and then made the lemonade the next day.  A couple hours will do if that is all that you have.  This recipe makes about 2 quarts but easily halves or doubles to accommodate your needs.   Happy Summer and ENJOY!



Honey-Sweetened Basil Lemonade



Ingredients:

For Basil Lemon Syrup:

2 cups filtered water

2 cups fresh basil leaves

3/4 cup raw honey

2 TBS lemon zest

For lemonade:

2+ cups basil lemon syrup

3/4- 1  cup fresh lemon juice (depending on how lemony you like it)

5 cups filtered water

pinch of celtic sea salt

ice cubes

fresh basil leaves and lemon slices for garnish





Directions:

To make basil lemon syrup: Bring filtered water and honey to a boil, gently stirring to dissolve  honey.  Add lemon zest and basil leaves.  Turn off heat and gently mash/muddle mixture to help infuse flavors.  Cover and allow to cool completely.  After mixture is cool, transfer into airtight container and place in fridge for at least 2 hours.  Strain through a sieve and discard pulp.  Makes a bit over 2 cups of syrup.   (I leave mine overnight to make an extra flavorful syrup.)



To make basil lemonade:   Combine  basil lemon syrup with 5 cups filtered water, 3/4 cups fresh lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt.  Stir to combine.  Pour into ice cube-filled glasses.  Add basil leaves and lemon slices for garnish.  Serve immediately.  Enjoy!



NOTE:  My lemonade has a darker look to it because I use a dark, local honey from a friend.  Using a lighter colored honey will yield a lighter colored lemonade. 





Pinit

Katja is the author of the Savory Lotus, a food and wellness blog. She focuses on REAL, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods to nourish the body and the mind, and is passionate about helping people simplify their journey to health. There is no “right” answer when it comes to vital living.  We are all on our own journey.  When not creating magic in the kitchen or researching food politics, Katja can be found trying to find time to get on her yoga mat, pulling weeds in the garden, and enjoying life at home in Northern California with her beautiful family.  www.savorylotus.com
  
Thanks Katja!
 

6 comments:

  1. Teti KonstantinidouJun 30, 2013, 11:05:00 AM

    Dear Katja (and Loretta)
    This is a great recipe. Thank you both for sharing. One question: is the addition of salt necessary and why?

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    Replies
    1. No, the salt is not necessary. I just added it for a titch of flavor. And celtic sea salt adds a bit of minerals too which are great on a hot day. You can just leave it out... :)
      Katja

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  • This looks summery and refreshing! I love the addition of basil, my favorite herb. :) I think this would also be a great base to add vodka to for a refreshing summer cocktail. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree Wendy! Isn't basil the best? And so versatile!

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