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Herbal Strawberry Lemonade Recipe by Herbal Academy
30 Jun 2026

Herbal Strawberry Lemonade Recipe + A Free 15 Functional Lemonade Recipes Ebook

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When you imagine quenching your thirst after a hot day in the sun, what comes to mind?

Lemonade has been a staple in the United States since the 1800s, and for good reason! It’s refreshing, delicious, and so easy to make that you might even see the neighborhood kids running a pop-up lemonade stand. 

With strawberries in season, we wanted to create a drink that you’ll reach for again and again, and of course, we’re providing you with two herbal options to infuse into your recipe.

Where Did Lemonade Come From?

Lemonade has a long history of use, dating as far back as 10th-century Egypt. The earliest written record of lemonade as we know it was called qatarmizat, made from lemon juice, water, and sugar. In 12th-century Egypt, this drink was often suggested for sore throats, digestive upset, and overindulgence (Sonneman, 2012). 

In the 1600s, a carbonated version of lemonade was sold on the streets of Paris. The demand for this fizzy drink was so great that vendors decided to unionize, becoming the “Compagnie de Limonadiers.”

By the late 1700s, sailors of the British Royal Navy combatted scurvy with a daily lemonade ration revered for its vitamin C content (Kennedy, 2025). 

Lemonade became popular in the United States during the 1800s, especially once alcohol was banned, with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union promoting lemonade as a tasty alternative.

Now, this refreshing drink is a summer staple across the globe, with several variations to choose from depending on your preferences.

close up of mint

Get Creative With Mint or Basil

Enhance the flavor profile and wellness benefits of your lemonade by infusing it with one of these cooling herbs:

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)

Famously incorporated into many mixed drink recipes, peppermint is an amazing herb for the summer season. This herbal ally has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to soothe tension and support the digestive and respiratory systems. Its main volatile compound is called menthol and is known to soothe discomfort from the heat and help cool the body from the inside out.

Find our full-length peppermint monograph inside The Herbarium. 

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Sweet basil is one of the most popular culinary herbs in the world, but also has a rich history of use for its beneficial properties. In Chinese medicine, basil is valued for its ability to support kidney health, aid digestion, and soothe tension. Its flavonoids have been shown to contain potent antioxidant properties which support a healthy immune response, and its essential oils boast analgesic properties. Strawberry and basil are a delicious pairing, and this herb is a great choice for when you want to kick up your feet after a day of hard work.

Find our full-length basil monograph inside The Herbarium. 

Herbal Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

Fresh strawberries contribute vitamin C and antioxidants. Muddled together with basil or mint, lemon juice, and honey, this delightful lemonade will steal the show at your next summer gathering. 

Ingredients

5 organic strawberries, diced
10-15 peppermint (Mentha x piperita) leaves or basil (Ocimum basilicum) leaves + sprigs for garnish
8 fl oz (1 cup) filtered water
½ cup raw, local honey (more or less, to taste)
16 fl oz (2 cups) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 12 large lemons)
2 cups sparkling water
Lemon slices or herbal sprigs (optional), for garnish

Directions
  • Add strawberries and basil to a pitcher and muddle.
  • On the stovetop, heat the water until barely simmering. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then add the honey and stir until dissolved. 
  • Add the honey-sweetened water to the pitcher. 
  • Add lemon juice and sparkling water, and stir.
  • Pour into a glass over ice and top with herbal garnish and lemon slices if desired.

Note: The sparkling water will fall flat within a few hours, so wait to add the sparkling water until just before serving.

measuring cup with strawberry lemonade and lemons and limes on the table next to it

Free, 15 Functional Lemonade Recipes ebook! 

Lemonade leaves plenty of room to experiment with herbs. From cooling mint and chamomile to rooibos, nettle, and aromatic culinary herbs, our 15 Functional Lemonade Recipes Ebook explores different ways to bring botanical flavor to a classic summer favorite. Find recipes for:

  • Soothing Chamomile Lemonade
  • Egyptian Mint Lemonade
  • Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Lemonade
  • Clear & Cleanse: Violet Lemonade
  • Lavender Self-Care: Sparkling Lemonade
  • Forager’s Delight: Sumac Lemonade
  • And more! 

Download your free copy here. 

Cool off after a hot day in the sun with this thirst-quenching, sparkling Herbal Strawberry Lemonade recipe. It'll be your new summer staple!

REFERENCES

Kennedy, L. (2025). How old is lemonade? History. https://www.history.com/articles/lemonade-invention

Sonneman, T. (2012). Lemon: A global history. Reaktion Books.

About Post Author

The Herbal Academy is an online school of herbalism offering affordable herbalist training programs for students at all experience levels. Whether you are looking to explore herbalism as a hobby or personal endeavor or preparing for a career, the Herbal Academy has designed herbalist programs to suit your path and your educational needs! The Academy celebrates the community-centered spirit of herbalism by collaborating with a wide diversity of seasoned clinical herbalists, folk herbalists, and medical professionals to create an herbal school that presents many herbal traditions and points of view.

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