Lemon Basil Seed Drink
This subtly sweet lemon Basil Seed Drink is a great way to start your day off right (or add a little pep to your afternoon!) Hydrated basil seeds are pretty much flavorless and give that satisfying boba-like chew. This basil seed drink is super cooling and refreshing!
Plus, basil seeds are SO good for you! They are considered prebiotics, full of fiber and so many other nutrients.
Also known as a sabja seeds, sweet basil seeds are common in India and some places in Asia, but they’re becoming more well known in the US because of their powerhouse health benefits.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Basil Seed Drink
How to Make This Lemon Basil Seed Drink
More Basil Seed & Chia Seed Recipes
Jump to the Full, Printable Recipe
The Story Behind the Recipe
I’ve recently discovered basil seeds as an alternative to chia seeds, and now enjoy both regularly. I recently shared a basil seed pudding recipe that I’m obsessed with, but today I thought I’d share this basil seed drink.
I’m sure you’ve heard of drinking hydrated chia seeds with lemon water first thing in the morning. This lemon Basil Seed Drink is similar; except it’s got a bit of sweetener and is actually a version of a drink very popular in India and some parts of Asia.
Why You’ll Love This Basil Seed Drink
It tastes great: This sweet, lemony drink is like a light lemonade with chewy little boba-like bits.
Filling: Due to the chewy hydrated basil seeds, this drink actually feels kind of like a light snack!
Nutritious: Basil seeds have fiber, protein, Omega 3s and more. This Basil See Drink is a great way to sneak some nutrition into your day! (source)
Excellent for warm days: Basil seeds are widely considered a natural body coolant, as described in this recipe for Gond Katira with rose syrup, pistachios, and milk (which I am super intrigued by!)
Ingredients
Basil seeds – The seeds of the sweet basil plant, also known as sabja seeds or tukmaria seeds. An American brand, ZenBasil, has brought USDA certified basil seeds to North America. I buy them off of Amazon (affiliate link).
Water
Lemon juice – You’ll need about 2 tablespoons, which one lemon should easily provide.
Sugar – Traditional basil seed drinks do tend to have sugar, which helps make it more palatable and lemonade-like. If you prefer another sweetener such as honey or agave, feel free! It’s easy to swap. Sugar substitutes work well too, or if you simply want a sub for your lemon chia seed water, you can skip the sugar altogether.
Ice
Mint leaves – Totally optional but they look pretty and add to the refreshing vibes.
How to Make This Lemon Basil Seed Drink
First, you’ll need to hydrate the basil seeds. Mix the basil seeds and some of the water together in a small bowl and let them sit for a few minutes until they’ve developed a gelatinous outer layer.
Add the lemon juice, sugar, and remaining water to a tall glass.
Stir for a minute or so, until the sugar has dissolved.
Add the hydrated basil seeds.
Add the ice, stir, and serve.
Tips for Success
Hydrate your basil seeds in room-temp water. They’ll plump up faster.
The basil seeds will sink to the bottom as your basil seed drink sits. Just give it a quick stir before you drink.
I hope you love this lemon basil seed drink as much as we’ve been enjoying it! It’s hydrating, refreshing, delicious, and full of nutrients.
More Basil Seed & Chia Seed Recipes
Coconut Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Lemon Basil Seed Drink
Ingredients
Instructions
Hydrate (or “Bloom”) the Basil Seeds
Mix Together the Lemon, Sugar, Mint (if using) and Remaining Water
Add Hydrated Basil Seeds and Ice
Nutrition
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