Pineapple Basil Limeade
Pineapple Basil Limeade is the kind of drink that makes an ordinary afternoon feel a little more like summer. Sweet pineapple juice, tart lime, and a cup of fresh basil are all you need for a pitcher—no syrup to cook and no blender required.
My pineapple obsession started when fresh pineapples began showing up in the stores while it was still snowy here in Pennsylvania. This bright, refreshing combination was a very welcome change of pace!
Three simple ingredients
I make mine with pineapple freshly run through my juicer, but 100% pineapple juice works too. Choose juice rather than a sweetened pineapple drink. The pineapple brings the sweetness, so this recipe doesn’t call for extra sugar.
Use fresh lime juice if you can, and measure it rather than relying on a set number of limes. Their size and juiciness vary. Wash and dry the basil, then finely chop the loosely packed leaves.
How to make pineapple basil limeade
Combine the pineapple juice, lime juice, and chopped basil in a large pitcher and stir well. Chill, then stir again before pouring over ice. The basil pieces are part of this simple drink; strain individual servings if you’d prefer a smoother texture.
Serve it without alcohol for a family-friendly drink. For an adult version, add a splash of vodka to individual glasses rather than the whole pitcher.
And yes, I still love the pineapple glasses in these photos! Any glass will do, though. Keep the pitcher refrigerated and add ice to the glasses when you serve so it doesn’t water down while it sits.
Make it a basil-filled meal
Serve your limeade alongside my grilled nectarine salad with burrata, or dress your favorite greens with Basil Lime Vinaigrette.
If a pitcher only makes a small dent in your harvest, my large batch basil pesto uses plenty more leaves. For the rest, here’s how to preserve fresh basil before frost. Save fresh leaves for this drink; basil frozen in oil is better suited to savory cooking.
Ingredients
- 64 ounces organic pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup organic lime juice roughly 4 limes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (loosely packed) finely chopped
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients, mix well. Serve chilled, over ice. With vodka for an adult cocktail.
