Go Back Email Link
Print

Straw-Berry Much in Love Limeade

A vibrant and creamy lemonade twist featuring the refreshing blend of lemons and limes, infused with sweet strawberries and aromatic basil, creating a uniquely invigorating beverage.
Course Drinks
Cuisine Brazilian, Fusion
Keyword Basil, Drink, Lemon, Lime, Strawberry
Prep Time 13 minutes
Servings 8
Author Chef Cameron

Ingredients

  • 3 medium lemons washed thoroughly, ends trimmed
  • 2 medium limes washed thoroughly, ends trimmed
  • 6 cups cold water divided
  • 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries hulled
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves packed
  • Ice for serving
  • Optional garnishes: extra strawberry slices fresh basil sprigs, lemon/lime slices

Instructions

Prepare the Citrus:

  • Roughly quarter the lemons and limes.
  • Place the citrus quarters in a blender.

Blend the Primary Lemon Limeade Base:

  • Add 4 cups of the cold water to the blender with the citrus.
  • Blend on high for about 30-60 seconds, or until the citrus peels are mostly pulverized. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the drink bitter.
  • Immediately pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (or a nut milk bag/cheesecloth-lined colander) into a large pitcher or bowl. Use the back of a spoon to press out as much liquid as possible, discarding the pulp and seeds. This step is crucial for removing bitterness.

Blend the Strawberry-Basil Infusion:

  • Rinse the blender.
  • Add the hulled strawberries, fresh basil leaves, and the remaining 2 cups of cold water to the blender.
  • Blend until the strawberries and basil are completely pureed and the mixture is smooth.

Combine and Sweeten:

  • Pour the strawberry-basil puree into the pitcher with the strained lemon-lime base.
  • Add the entire can of sweetened condensed milk to the pitcher.
  • Stir vigorously until everything is thoroughly combined and the condensed milk is fully dissolved.

Chill and Serve:

  • Taste the lemon limeade and adjust sweetness or tartness if desired (you can add a bit more condensed milk for sweetness, or a squeeze more fresh lemon/lime juice for tartness).
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill completely.
  • Serve over plenty of ice, garnished with extra strawberry slices, fresh basil sprigs, or citrus slices.