When the summer heat hits, nothing cools you down quite like a Refreshing Cucumber Basil Lemonade. This delightful beverage is not only thirst-quenching but also low in calories and made with simple, fresh ingredients.
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Why you’ll love this recipe
- Refreshingly Cool: Perfect for hot summer days.
- Low in Calories: Only 20 cals per drink!
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find and prepare.
- Quick to Make: Ready in just a few minutes.
- Versatile: Customize the sweetness and flavor to your liking.
Tools
- Blender: Essential for blending all the ingredients into a smooth mixture. A high-speed blender works best, but any blender will do.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To cut the cucumber in smaller pieces.
- Glasses: For serving the drink.
- Basic measuring cups and spoons and a kitchen scale: Properly measuring ingredients is key for success in the kitchen.
Ingredients
As usual, you'll find the complete recipe card, including ingredient amounts and instructions, at the bottom of this post! Keep on reading for more details, or jump straight to the recipe.
- Cucumber — Adds a refreshing, healthy and hydrating element to the drink.
- Lemon Juice — Provides a zesty, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Sweetener of Choice — Customize the sweetness with your preferred sweetener, such as sugar, monk fruit, erythritol, stevia, maple syrup or a sugar substitute.
- Basil Leaves — Infuses the drink with a subtle herbal and fresh note that complements the cucumber and lemon.
- Water — Helps blend everything together into a smooth, drinkable consistency.
- Chamoy and Tajín (Optional) — For rimming the glasses, adding a spicy, tangy twist.
- Ice Cubes — Keeps the drink chilled and refreshing.
How to Make this Delicious Summer Drink
- Prepare the Glasses (Optional): If you prefer a rimmed glass, dip the rims of two glasses in some chamoy. Then, dip the rims in Tajín to coat them evenly. Set aside.
- Blend the Drink: In a blender, combine the cucumber, lemon juice, sweetener, basil leaves, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Serve: Fill the prepared glasses with some ice. Pour the blended cucumber mixture into the glasses and enjoy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Sweeteners: Use monk fruit, agave syrup, stevia, or any sweetener you prefer.
- Herbs: Swap basil with mint or cilantro for a different herbal note.
- Fruit Additions: Add a few pieces of watermelon or strawberries for a fruity twist.
- Sparkling Water: Replace still water with sparkling water for a fizzy version.
Tips for success
- Use Cold Ingredients: Start with chilled cucumber and water to make the drink extra refreshing.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before serving and adjust the sweetness to your preference.
- Blending Tip: Blend on high to ensure the basil leaves are finely chopped and well incorporated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Although fresh is preferred, you can prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and stir before serving.
Can I make my own chamoy?
For sure! Here on the blog we have an amazing recipe! Click here to go straight to it.
What type of sweetener works best?
Any sweetener you prefer works well. Adjust the amount to taste.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use a small amount of dried basil.
What can I use instead of chamoy and Tajín for the rim?
You can use salt and a bit of lime zest for a simpler rim option.
Recipe
CUCUMBER BASIL LEMONADE
Cool down with our refreshing Cucumber Basil Lemonade. This low-calorie, easy-to-make summer drink combines fresh ingredients for a delicious and refreshing treat!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large cucumber, (200 g)
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon sweetener of choice
- 2 or 3 basil leaves
- ¾ cup water
To serve
- Chamoy, optional to rim the glasses
- Tajín, optional to rim the glasses
- Ice cubes
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Glasses (Optional): If you prefer a rimmed glass, dip the rims of two glasses in some chamoy. Then, dip the rims in Tajín to coat them evenly. Set aside.
- Blend the Drink: In a blender, combine the cucumber, lemon juice, sweetener, basil leaves, and water. Blend until smooth.
- Serve: Fill the prepared glasses with some ice. Pour the blended cucumber mixture into the glasses and enjoy.
NOTES
- Nutrition facts based on monk fruit as sweetener.
NUTRITION
Serving: 1 glass | Calories: 20 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 1 g | Sodium: 2 mg | Potassium: 170 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 2 g
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