There’s something nostalgic and comforting about a tall glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, but many homemade versions fall into one of two camps: way too sugary or flat and uninspired.
That’s why I was immediately intrigued when I saw Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian Lemonade, which includes a homemade basil-infused simple syrup and sparkling water. It sounded light, refreshing and a little bit grown-up, which is exactly what I was looking for.
Leave it to an Italian to make something as easy as lemonade feel fancy. After all, we’ve been super impressed with other Italian tips and tricks related to grilled cheese sandwiches, salmon, peach desserts, one-pot pasta and even Lay’s potato chips!
Plus, Giada has never steered us wrong with her recommendations. Chicken meatballs? Chocolate pasta? Artichoke and arugula pesto? We love them all.
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Elevate Your Summer Lemonade With Basil
This lemonade is the perfect example of how just one small upgrade can transform something ordinary into something wow.
Fresh basil gives the syrup an herby, almost floral quality that pairs beautifully with the tart lemon juice. The sparkling water adds fizz and brightness, and garnishing with lemon twists makes every glass feel special. It’s simple enough for a casual backyard hangout but elegant enough to serve at brunch or a summer dinner party.
Plus, you can make everything ahead of time and just pour over ice when you’re ready to serve. How simple!
Related: The Chef-Approved Way to Make the Best-Ever Strawberry Lemonade
How to Make the Basil Simple Syrup
The key to this recipe is the homemade simple syrup, and it couldn’t be easier. You’ll need fresh basil, sugar and water. With just these three ingredients you can create a deeply flavorful syrup that’s sweet but not overpowering.
Start by combining equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Add in a handful of fresh basil leaves and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble gently for about five minutes, which allows the basil to infuse its essence into the syrup without becoming bitter.
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Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool completely with the basil still steeping. It’s a lot like making tea.
Once it’s cooled, strain the syrup into a jar or bottle, discarding the basil leaves. You will get a fragrant, golden syrup that you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. (Although if you’re like me, you’ll use it all up long before that!)
Related: The Unexpected Secret Ingredient That Will Make Your Lemonade 10x Better
How to Finish Making Giada De Laurentiis’ Italian Lemonade
Now it’s time to assemble the lemonade. In a pitcher, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, chilled sparkling water and a few spoonfuls of your basil simple syrup. Start with a little syrup and adjust to taste. Remember that it’s easy to add more sweetness, but you can’t take it out once it’s in.
Stir everything gently to combine, then pop it back in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
When it’s time to pour, fill your glasses with ice and garnish with a twist of lemon or a fresh basil leaf for extra flair. This cold, fizzy, citrusy and slightly herbaceous lemonade is elevated and refreshing!
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. It’s easy, adaptable and guaranteed to impress. You can even batch it for parties or spike it with vodka or gin for a summer cocktail twist.
Giada’s lemonade is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best things in life really are this simple.
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