Italian Lemonade

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis

Show: Everyday ItalianEpisode: Sicilian Summer

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (60)

Cook Time:
5 min
Level:
Easy
Yield:
4 to 6 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: 30 min
Cook: 5 min
Total:: 55 min

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Ingredients

2 cups lemon juice, about 12 to 15 lemons
2 cups Basil Simple Syrup, recipe follows
2 cups cold or sparkling water
Ice
Lemon twists, for garnish

Directions

Mix lemon juice, Basil Simple Syrup, and water together in a pitcher. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Pour over ice filled glasses and garnish with a lemon twist.

Basil Simple Syrup:

1 bunch fresh basil, washed and stemmed
2 cups sugar
1 cup water

In a saucepan combine basil, sugar, and water and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, 5 minutes. Cool, strain the simple syrup, and store in the refrigerator.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Italian Lemonade
chelsea stillwater, MN 09-24-2009
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Great Lemonade!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This lemonade was so good! I also used extra water like some other reviewers, and one other change. I used lemon basil, which... I didn't realize existed until I went to the farmer's market and one of the vendors recommended it. Anyways, it was a really nice flavor, and it still stood out against the lemon juice. I will definitely make this again!Read more
recipe Italian Lemonade
Nannette Winter Garden, FL 08-06-2009
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Sooooo Good!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I just made this for my family and it's amazing! I diluted it a little bit more with water because it was a bit strong for my... taste, but overall I loved it.Read more
recipe Italian Lemonade
ashlyn corte madera, CA 08-02-2009
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Best Lemonade
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

We have made lemonade for years and loved it! It didn't seem you could make it any better, but giada did!! It's the best... lemonade ever!!Read more
recipe Italian Lemonade
debra janesville, WI 07-27-2009
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My new favorite
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My hubby was aghast that I would put basil in lemonaid; begged me to make it with mint or leave the basil out. Thank goodness... I stuck to my guns - this recipe was awsome!! My only suggestion is to make a double batch - everybody loved it. The basil is very subtle and surprisingly good with the lemon.Read more
recipe Italian Lemonade
Jennifer Athens, GA 07-18-2009
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Reallly good!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

The basil was a great touch to this lemonade. It's subtle, but definitely a plus. We used sparkling water for this... lemonade, then made it into a cocktail for our adult guests. It was definitely a hit! I will be making this recipe again. Thanks Giada :DRead more
recipe Italian Lemonade
Jennifer Alvin, TX 07-17-2009
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Refreshing Lemonade
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Love, Love, LOVE this lemonade!! The basil is a nice way to spice up regular lemonade. Would also be great with vodka for a... little cocktail. I had to water it down a bit because it was a little strong, but very refreshing!!! Read more