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
- The Story Behind the Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Basil Seed Drink
- Ingredients
- How to Make This Lemon Basil Seed Drink
- Tips for Success
- More Basil Seed & Chia Seed Recipes
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
- Basil Seed Pudding
- Chai Latte Basil Seed Pudding
- Coconut Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Chocolate Chip Chia Pancakes
- Pumpkin Chia Pancakes
- Chia Seed Jam
Lemon Basil Seed Drink
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon basil seeds
- 1/3 + 2/3 cup water (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 3-4 mint leaves (optional)
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
Hydrate (or "Bloom") the Basil Seeds
- In a small bowl, mix together the basil seeds and 1/3 cup water. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the basil seeds have absorbed some of the water, developing a transparent, gelatinous outer layer.
Mix Together the Lemon, Sugar, Mint (if using) and Remaining Water
- In a large glass, mix together the remaining 2/3 cup water, lemon juice, sugar, and mint leaves (if using). Stir for a minute or two until the sugar has dissolved.
Add Hydrated Basil Seeds and Ice
- Stir in the hydrated basil seeds and fill the cup the rest of the way with ice. Give it a stir and serve.
Hi! I’m Karen – I’m a real person with real recipes. No A.I. here! Since 2009, every recipe on Kitchen Treaty is thoroughly tested and loved before I hit “publish.” I’m a home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m a vegetarian married to a carnivore, and my goal is to coexist deliciously.
