Ultimate Memorial Day Picnic Refreshment: Spiked or Unspiked Strawberry Basil Lemonade Recipe

Happy Memorial Day weekend! This time of year always fills me with a unique sense of joy and anticipation. Memorial Day weekend isn’t just another long weekend; it truly signifies the unofficial start of summer, bringing with it a vibrant energy that’s hard to resist. For me, the excitement stems from a few key reasons. Firstly, it ushers in that glorious flip-flop weather, meaning warmer days, longer evenings, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities. Secondly, there’s the pure bliss of an extra day off from work, a precious chance to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. And finally, perhaps most deliciously, it heralds a spectacular smorgasbord of grilled meats and an array of delightful picnic foods, promising culinary adventures in the great outdoors.

The very idea of a picnic conjures up such charming imagery. I’ve always cherished a particular fantasy: riding my bike through sun-dappled streets, a charming handlebar basket brimming with simple, fresh ingredients. I picture myself arriving at a lush, green park, spreading out a soft blanket, and then, with a satisfying pop, opening a chilled bottle of sparkling bubbly. Lying comfortably on the blanket, arms propped up, hands gently cradling my chin, and my companion, Squirrel, lounging beside me as we share dreams and plans for the future. Doesn’t that sound utterly romantic and perfectly relaxing? It’s a little fantasy I’m determined to turn into a reality, an idyllic escape from the everyday hustle.

The truth, however, is that I’ve never quite experienced a picnic as serene and effortless as the one in my daydream. My real-world picnic adventures have largely been confined to beach outings. While enjoyable in their own right, beach picnics often come with a significant, and rather gritty, downside: sand, absolutely everywhere! There’s nothing quite like crunching on an unexpected grain of sand while savoring a sandwich to disrupt the illusion of a perfect meal. It’s certainly not my preferred culinary accompaniment.

But whether your Memorial Day plans involve reclining on a cozy patchwork blanket in a verdant park or hosting a lively outdoor barbecue in your backyard, I have discovered the absolute perfect beverage to complement your meal. Prepare to be delighted by this incredibly refreshing Strawberry-Basil Lemonade. What makes this drink even more versatile and appealing is the option to transform it into a vibrant cocktail, which is where the “spiked or unspiked” in our title comes into play. If your gathering includes little ones, the unspiked, child-friendly version is obviously the way to go. For an adults-only celebration, feel free to add a splash of your favorite spirits and booze it up! In fact, for mixed groups, you can easily prepare two separate batches: one delicious, family-friendly option and one spirited, adult-approved version, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this fantastic summer treat.

Confession time: I almost always opt to spike my strawberry-basil lemonade. What can I say? I embrace the wild and crazy side of life, especially when it comes to celebrating good times. For me, a spiked drink often equals good times, and I’m wholeheartedly dedicated to making every moment enjoyable. While you absolutely can leave it unspiked, which is perfectly delicious, I find that a little spirited kick simply elevates the celebratory mood. It’s a small indulgence that truly enhances the festive atmosphere of any gathering, turning a simple refreshment into something truly special and memorable.

This exquisite beverage is the quintessential companion for a scorching summer’s day. It hits all the right notes: profoundly refreshing, delightfully tart, and perfectly sweet. The vibrant red hue of the strawberries combined with the subtle green specks of fresh basil makes it as visually appealing as it is delicious. The moment you take your first sip, you’re greeted with a burst of juicy strawberry flavor, followed by the zesty tang of fresh lemons, all beautifully complemented by the unexpected, yet wonderfully aromatic, hint of basil. It’s a flavor profile that transports you straight to a sun-drenched garden, offering a cooling respite from the heat.

When crafting this recipe, I made a conscious decision not to strain the strawberry pulp, and I truly believe it’s one of the secrets to this lemonade’s charm. The pulp adds a lovely textural element and significantly intensifies the natural strawberry flavor, giving the drink a richer, more authentic taste. It also helps to thicken the beverage ever so slightly, creating a smooth, almost velvety mouthfeel that is incredibly satisfying. However, if you’re someone who prefers a perfectly smooth, pulp-free drink, please feel free to run the simple syrup mixture through a fine-mesh sieve after blending. This will ensure a crystal-clear lemonade, though I encourage you to try it with the pulp at least once to experience the full depth of flavor and texture. The result, regardless of your pulp preference, is a sensational drink bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, the invigorating tartness of fresh lemons, and subtle, sweet undertones of aromatic basil.

For those who wish to elevate this refreshing drink into a delightful summer cocktail, the possibilities are endless and exciting. A few generous splashes of vodka will give it a crisp, clean kick, perfect for a sunny afternoon. If you prefer something with a bit more depth and warmth, a good quality rum can add a wonderful complexity. And for those who enjoy a bubbly effervescence, prosecco or even a dry sparkling wine will transform it into a sophisticated, celebratory libation. Imagine sipping this sparkling concoction on a warm evening, garnished with fresh berries and a sprig of basil – pure bliss. Experiment with your favorite spirits to find your perfect spiked summer drink.

Should you decide to keep your lemonade alcohol-free, perhaps for a family gathering or simply for a lighter, hydrating option, the adjustment is incredibly simple. Instead of adding the two cups of alcohol, simply substitute them with two additional cups of water. This ensures the lemonade retains its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, without becoming overly concentrated. It remains a wonderfully vibrant and thirst-quenching beverage that everyone, regardless of age, can enjoy thoroughly. Serve it over plenty of ice with a garnish of fresh strawberries, lemon slices, or a basil sprig for an inviting presentation.

However you choose to spend your day, whether honoring the true meaning of Memorial Day, gathering with friends and family, or simply enjoying the first tastes of summer, I wish you a truly delightful Memorial Day filled with relaxation, good company, and delicious food. And of course, a glass (or two!) of this wonderful Strawberry-Basil Lemonade.

For even more fantastic ideas to complete your Memorial Day picnic spread, be sure to check out the other incredible picnic-inspired #SundaySupper recipes. From refreshing salads to hearty mains and decadent desserts, there’s something here to make your outdoor feast truly unforgettable.

Salads and Slaws:

• Bacon Ranch Potato Salad from Juanita’s Cocina
• Caprese Spinach Salad from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Chicken Chopped Salad from Table for Seven
• Cold Pea Salad  from Shockingly Delicious
• Creamy Potato Salad with Roasted Pears, Cilantro and Romano Cheese from Gourmet Drizzles
• German Potato Salad from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Hawaiian Cole Slaw from Curious Cuisiniere
• Italian Chopped Salad from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Kale Pasta Salad from Hip Foodie Mom
• Mediterranean Pasta Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Mizeria (Polish Cucumber Salad) from From Fast Food to Fresh Food
• PA Dutch Pepper Cabbage from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Pineapple Slaw from I Run For Wine
• Spaghetti Salad from Country Girl in the Village
• Tortellini Pasta Salad from Supper for a Steal

Sandwiches and Mains:

• Avocado Chicken Salad Sandwich from Momma’s Meals
• Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese, and Tomato Sandwich from Magnolia Days
• Grilled Bratwurst and Onion Open-Face Sandwiches from The Urban Mrs
• Grilled Chicken Sandwiches with Green Goddess Sauce from Foxes Love Lemons
• Herbs-Garlic and Parmesan Croissants from Basic N Delicious
• Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks from Soni’s Food
• Japanese Picnic Bento Box from The Ninja Baker
• Mini Chicken Salad, Avocado and Cheese Subs from Big Bear’s Wife
• Moroccan Fried Chicken from MarocMama
• Pepper, Spinach and Goat’s Cheese Quiche from Happy Baking Days
• Picnic Basket Buttermilk Fried Chicken from Noshing with the Nolands
• Salmon in a Jar from Healthy. Delicious.
• Smoked Trout Deviled Eggs from The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Spam Musubi fromKimchi Mom

Desserts:

• Apricot Oat Nut Bars from Pies and Plots
• Chocolate Dipped Rice Krispie Treat Pops from In The Kitchen With KP
• Cocoa Cupcakes with Chocolate Buttercream from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Fruit Salad from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Fruit Salad with Honey Port Drizzle from Family Foodie
• Loaded Butterscotch Bars from Vintage Kitchen
• Nathan’s Cookies from What Smells So Good?
• Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treat Truffles from Chocolate Moosey
• Shandy Popsicles With Raspberries from Ruffles & Truffles
• Texas Sheet Cake with Pecan Frosting from Food Lust People Love
• Triple Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake from Neighborfood

Drinks:

• Fresh Limeade with Chia Seeds from girlichef
• Pineapple Sangria from Growing Up Gabel
• Strawberry Basil Lemonade from The Messy Baker Blog
• Strawberry Lemonade from Gotta Get Baked
• Top 10 Wines for Picnic #SundaySupper fromENOFYLZ Wine blog
• Watermelon Agua Fresca from Daily Dish Recipes