American

Mango Basil Limeade

Name: Mango Basil Limeade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 min
Total time: 47 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups sugar; 1 ½ cups water; 1 lime lime peel, green part only; 4 extra-ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed; 5 cups cold water, plus extra as desired; 3 large leaves basil; 1 cup fresh lime juice; ice cubes, for the pitcher and serving; lime slices, for garnish

When I’m entertaining, I want the alcohol-free drinks to be every bit as tempting as the cocktails. A pitcher of this mango basil limeade gives everyone something lovely to sip, whether they’re skipping the spirits or simply cooling off. Extra-ripe mango makes it lush and fruity, fresh lime gives it a bright tang, and basil adds that little unexpected note that makes you pause after the first taste. It takes familiar American limeade in a tropical direction, with sweetness you can adjust to your liking. I like filling the pitcher with ice and letting its sunny color do the inviting.

Recipe by Mary Keelan Williams | One Recipe Two Cultures ✓ TESTED & DEVELOPED BY MARY KEELAN WILLIAMS

🇺🇸 All-American

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Mary’s Introduction

Mango Basil Limeade is a bright, tropical drink with lush mango flavor, fragrant basil and plenty of fresh lime. A lime-peel syrup lets each pitcher be sweetened to taste, while the basil adds a fresh herbal note that keeps the ripe mango from tasting overly rich.

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COOKING MODEMango Basil Limeade

Follow Mary’s published recipe step by step. Use Keep Screen Awake on the recipe card if needed.

Step 1 of 3

STEP 1

Add the sugar, water and lime peel to a saucepan and place over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let the lime peel infuse for about 15 minutes. Remove the lime peel and allow the syrup to cool completely.

STEP 2

In a blender, combine the mango cubes, basil and 3 cups of the cold water and blend until smooth.

STEP 3

Add ice cubes to a pitcher. Add half of the lime syrup, the lime juice, mango mixture and remaining 2 cups cold water. Mix well. Add extra water or extra lime syrup to adjust to your liking. Serve over ice and garnish with a lime slice.

How to Make Mango Basil Limeade

Make the Lime Syrup

Heat the sugar, water and lime peel over medium heat, stirring for about 2 minutes until the sugar dissolves.

Infuse the Lime

Remove the syrup from the heat and let the lime peel infuse for about 15 minutes.

Cool the Syrup

Remove the lime peel and allow the syrup to cool completely.

Blend the Mango

Blend the mango cubes, basil and 3 cups cold water until completely smooth.

Build the Limeade

Fill a pitcher with ice and add half of the lime syrup, the lime juice, mango mixture and remaining 2 cups cold water.

Adjust the Flavor

Mix well, then add extra water or lime syrup until the sweetness and strength suit your taste.

Garnish and Serve

Serve the limeade over ice and garnish each glass with a lime slice.

Recipe Guidance

Storage

Refrigerate the limeade in a sealed pitcher without ice so it does not become diluted. Keep fresh basil garnish separate and use the drink within 2 to 3 days for the brightest flavor.

Reheating

Do not reheat. Stir or shake the chilled limeade if the mango settles, then serve it over fresh ice.

Make Ahead

Prepare the mango-lime base ahead and refrigerate it. Add fresh basil and any sparkling component, if used, shortly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve very cold over ice with fresh basil and lime. It works well with spicy grilled dishes or as a nonalcoholic party drink.

Mary’s Introduction