Cucumber-Basil Lemonade With Lemongrass Recipe

By
J. Kenji López-Alt
Kenji Lopez Alt
Culinary Consultant
Kenji is the former culinary director for Serious Eats and a current culinary consultant for the site. He is also a New York Times food columnist and the author of The Food Lab: Better Home Cooking Through Science.
Learn about Serious Eats' Editorial Process
Updated August 30, 2018
20120618-lemonade-variations-06.jpg
Dave Katz

Looking for more lemonade variations? Check out these 12 delicious summer sippers.

Recipe Details

Cucumber-Basil Lemonade With Lemongrass Recipe

Active 15 mins
Total 15 mins
Serves 4 to 6 servings
Cook Mode (Keep screen awake)

Ingredients

  • 1 medium cucumber, cut into rough chunks
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, bottom 4 inches only, roughly chopped
  • 2 cups loosely packed basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh juice from 10 to 12 lemons
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 3 cups cold water
  • 1 quart ice
  • Cucumber slices and basil leaves for garnish

Directions

  1. Combine cucumbers, lemongrass, basil, lemon juice, sugar, and salt in a blender. Blend on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Discard solids. Add cold water and whisk to combine. Add ice. Serve in ice-filled glasses garnished with cucumber slices and basil leaves.

Special equipment

blender

More Serious Eats Recipes