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What if I told you that you can spend 10 minutes making fresh, homemade lemonade from real lemons and all-natural ingredients? I’m talking about a truly healthy lemonade recipe – not from a bottle, without added sugar and artificial sweeteners, and no premixed lemonade packets. Better yet, no high-powered juicer or fancy equipment required.
It’s true, there’s an easy recipe for homemade sugar-free lemonade that’s packed with better-for-you ingredients. Meet the herbal lemonade recipe you didn’t know you needed in your life until now. This infused lemonade is made with fresh lemons, mint, basil, honey and an unexpected ingredient you won’t even realize is there: pineapple juice!
Now, let’s get to it. You’ll be patio sittin’ with your favorite folks and a glass of lemonade in no time.
Health Benefits of Lemonade with Mint and Basil
When making fresh lemonade without added sugar is this easy, there’s no need for the fake stuff. This healthy lemonade tastes like pure sunshine – and for good reason. The recipe is inspired by a lovely lemonade I met and fell head over heels for in sunny California (photo below).
Here’s what makes this basil mint lemonade recipe a glass of wholesome goodness.
Lemons
Lemons are a literal nutritional powerhouse. These small little fruits are bursting with antioxidants, Vitamin C and fiber, among so many others. The nutrients in lemons contribute to heart health, support digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like mint and basil are so much more than their aromatic properties, which by the way, are known to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. They also carry many minerals that aid digestion, relieve respiratory ailments and improve alertness and brain function. Mint is an anti-inflammatory while basil is known to help stabilize blood pressure.
Honey
And honey, oh honey, where to begin? Honey is a superfood we love for its antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. If you’re a fan of honey and lemon, check out the buzz on one of our most popular recipes, Homemade Honey Citron Tea, then head over to this article about the health benefits of honey from Harvard’s School of Public Health.
Pineapple
Organic pineapple juice in its most minimally processed state is one of the many reasons we love this not-so-secret ingredient in this infused lemonade recipe. Similarly to lemons, 100% natural pineapple juice boasts benefits that include Vitamin C to give the immune system a boost, bromelain to reduce inflammation and antioxidants that fight cancer.
Herbal Lemonade Recipe Ingredients
This recipe for lemonade is super simple. It’s a plant-forward recipe the entire family can enjoy – minus all that sugar. Here’s what you’ll need in order to make this homemade lemonade recipe.
- Lemons
- Fresh mint
- Fresh basil
- Raw, unfiltered organic honey
- Organic pineapple juice
A Note on Using Pineapple Juice
This basil mint lemonade recipe is partially sweetened with 100% pineapple juice (no additives or artificial flavors for best results). When crafted per the directions, you won’t be able to taste the pineapple juice. If you like a sweeter lemonade flavor, use the pineapple juice sparingly or you will lose the lemonade flavor.
How to Make Lemonade with Mint and Basil
Basil infused lemonade, mint infused lemonade, herbal lemonade – call this all-natural lemonade recipe whatever you’d like. Just send your friends the recipe and make it on repeat this spring and summer. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1. Juice the lemons.
No electric juicer needed. Simply use a hand juicer or citrus squeezer to pull about 8 ounces of fresh lemon juice. That’s about 5-6 lemons.
Step 2. Blend the ingredients.
Add the fresh lemon juice, fresh basil and mint, pineapple juice and raw, unfiltered organic honey along with about 3-4 cups of water to a blender and process until the ingredients are emulsified. For lemonade without pulp, use a strainer as you pour the blend into a pitcher. Add the remaining water, stir to combine and serve immediately over ice or refrigerate. This juice keeps in a covered pitcher or container for 5 days.
Enjoy!
Homemade Herbal Lemonade: Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, this recipe leans on plant-forward whole foods that are naturally gluten free.
Can I make this a vegan lemonade?
Absolutely! Simply replace the honey with agave nectar or maple syrup.
Can I use Meyer lemons?
Yes! I’m a huge fan of Meyer lemons. Meyer lemons are sweeter than Lisbon lemons (the most common variety we see in grocery stores) so you’ll naturally craft a bit of a sweeter lemonade.
Are there honey substitutes?
Use agave or maple syrup in place of the honey. Remember to use small amounts and taste as you go before you make significant changes to this lemonade recipe.
Can I use sugar substitutes?
Modify this recipe to fit your dietary needs and/or flavor preferences. That means you can replace the honey and pineapple juice with sugar or sugar substitutes. It’s completely up to you! I’m confident you’ll love this lemonade with mint and basil however you choose to sweeten it.
Can I make this lemonade with herbs in advance?
Sure can, just be sure to store it in a covered container or pitcher and serve it within 24 hours for best results. The lemonade will keep for up to 5 days though it won’t taste as fresh if you make it too far in advance.
Can I use different herbs in this lemonade?
Yes! This recipe is inspired by a version infused with rosemary. Lavender is also a great option and pineapple sage could be an interesting twist. Play around with the recipe and make it your own. Tell me what you think in the comments!
Can lemonade go bad?
Yes, fresh lemonade will lose its freshness after a few days. If you’re not drinking it immediately, make sure you cover it and put it in the refrigerator. I love to make individual servings in mason jars for a refreshing grab-and-go drink.
Why is my lemonade too tart?
This recipe for lemonade calls for fresh lemon juice, so your lemonade will be a direct result of your lemons which varies according to many factors, including when the lemons are harvested or at peak, the type of lemon used and the region from which it is derived. If your lemonade is too tart or too sour, don’t worry – you can fix this. Start with an extra tablespoon of honey and an extra tablespoon of pineapple juice. Test it until your lemonade tastes like you’d like it – just be careful not to add too much pineapple juice or you’ll lose the lemon flavor.
Is honey the same as sugar?
Honey is technically considered sugar; however, we personally consume honey as a sugar substitute in our home. We do this for its health benefits but as with all sweets, honey should also be used in moderation. The University of Arizona College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has a thorough overview of the differences between sugar and honey. Read the article here.
Herbal Lemonade with Mint and Basil
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh lemon juice juice of 5-6 lemons
- ½ cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
- ¼ cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons raw unfiltered organic honey
- 6 cups water divided
- Organic 100% natural pineapple juice
Instructions
- Use a hand juicer or citrus squeezer to pull about 8 ounces of fresh lemon juice.
- Add the fresh lemon juice, fresh basil and mint, pineapple juice and raw, unfiltered organic honey along with about 4 cups of water to a blender and process until the ingredients are emulsified. For lemonade without pulp, use a strainer as you pour the blend into a pitcher. Add the remaining 2 cups of water, stir to combine and serve immediately over ice or refrigerate.
Notes
- Try making sparkling lemonade by dividing the 6 cups of water between 3 cups still water and 3 cups of plain sparkling water.
Awesome. I do not have lavender at this time. But, is very delicious just as your recipe is!
This looks so good! I will def be making it. Plus, I have the fresh mint and basil! Love your site!
Thank you! I think you’ll love this recipe. If you have some lavender in your garden you might try some of that, too! Let me know what you think and be sure to rate it 5 stars if you make it and love it. 🙂