Pineapple Basil Lemonade

Welcome to our kitchen, where we’re about to embark on a journey to create a refreshing and invigorating summer beverage – Pineapple Basil Lemonade. This delightful concoction marries the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the herbaceous freshness of basil and the zesty tang of lemon, resulting in a drink that’s as satisfying as it is rejuvenating. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to craft this divine drink from scratch.

History of Pineapple Basil Lemonade:

While lemonade has been enjoyed for centuries, the addition of pineapple and basil to this classic drink is a more recent innovation. Pineapple, native to South America, was first introduced to Europe in the 17th century and quickly became a symbol of luxury and hospitality. Basil, on the other hand, has been cultivated for thousands of years and is prized for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. By combining these two ingredients with traditional lemonade, we’ve created a drink that pays homage to both history and innovation.

Ingredients for Pineapple Basil Lemonade:

For the Lemonade:

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 cups cold water

For the Pineapple Basil Infusion:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Additional Ingredients:

• Ice cubes
• Fresh pineapple slices, for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pineapple Basil Infusion:

• In a small saucepan, combine the fresh pineapple chunks, basil leaves, granulated sugar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is dissolved and the pineapple is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

2. Blend the Infusion:

• Transfer the cooked pineapple and basil mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and well combined. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids and set the pineapple basil syrup aside.

3. Make the Lemonade Base:

• In a large pitcher, combine the freshly squeezed lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cold water. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well mixed.

4. Combine the Pineapple Basil Syrup with Lemonade Base:

• Add the strained pineapple basil syrup to the pitcher of lemonade base. Stir well to combine, adjusting the sweetness to taste if necessary.

5. Chill and Serve:

• Refrigerate the prepared pineapple basil lemonade for at least 1 hour to chill thoroughly. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled lemonade over the ice. Garnish each glass with fresh pineapple slices and basil leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

6. Enjoy Your Refreshing Creation:

• Sip and savor the delightful combination of tropical pineapple, fragrant basil, and zesty lemon as you bask in the sunshine. This Pineapple Basil Lemonade is the perfect companion for picnics, backyard barbecues, or simply lounging by the pool on a hot summer day.

For this refreshing Pineapple Basil Lemonade recipe, the **Ninja Professional Countertop Blender**===>https://amzn.to/3Yid3kZ from Amazon is perfect for blending the fresh pineapple and basil, ensuring a smooth and flavorful infusion. Additionally, the **Fine Mesh Stainless Steel Strainer** ===>https://amzn.to/4eoG8AP helps remove any pulp or basil leaves, leaving you with a clear and crisp lemonade.

**Baking Tip:**
– For extra basil flavor, let the pineapple and basil mixture sit for 10-15 minutes before straining.
– Chill the lemonade in the fridge for at least an hour to enhance the flavors.