A refreshing iced latte made with fresh basil from the garden and sweet strawberry cream foam
There is something deeply satisfying about stepping outside, snipping a handful of fresh herbs from the garden, and turning them into something special.
Most of us think about using basil in pasta sauces, caprese salads, or homemade pesto. But one of my favorite ways to use an abundance of summer basil is in drinks. The bright, slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with sweet strawberries and rich espresso.
This Basil Strawberry Latte has quickly become my favorite afternoon treat. It starts with a homemade basil simple syrup, which is stirred into milk for a lightly sweet herbal flavor. Then it’s topped with a fluffy strawberry cream foam made from cooked strawberries and heavy cream.
The result is a coffee shop-worthy drink that feels a little fancy but comes together with simple ingredients you may already have at home.
And if your basil plants are anything like mine, you’ll be looking for every excuse to use them this time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A delicious way to use fresh basil from the garden
- Less expensive than a coffee shop drink
- Perfect for warm summer afternoons
- Beautiful enough for entertaining friends
- Easy to customize to your preferred sweetness level
- Made with simple ingredients
Ingredients
For the Basil Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 packed cup fresh basil leaves
For the Basil Milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons basil simple syrup
For the Strawberry Foam
- 1 cup diced fresh strawberries
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon water
- ¼ cup heavy cream
For the Latte
- Ice
- 2 shots espresso
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¾ cup basil milk
- Strawberry foam
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
Start by making the basil syrup. This can be prepared several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
In a small saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sugar has dissolved.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the basil leaves. Cover and allow the basil to steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
Strain out the leaves and transfer the syrup to a jar.
The aroma alone will make you want to add it to everything.
Make the Strawberry Foam
Add the strawberries, sugar, and water to a small saucepan.
Cook over medium-low heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries soften and become thick and jammy.
Allow the mixture to cool completely.
Blend or mash until mostly smooth.
Combine 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree with the heavy cream and froth until thick and airy.
This strawberry foam is what takes the drink from ordinary to memorable.
Assemble the Latte
Fill a tall glass with ice.
Pour in the basil milk.
Add the espresso and water.
Top generously with the strawberry foam.
Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a sliced strawberry if desired.
Serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Basil Strawberry Latte
Harvest Basil in the Morning
If you’re picking basil from the garden, morning is the best time to harvest. The leaves tend to be at their most flavorful before the heat of the day sets in.
Don’t Skip Cooking the Strawberries
Cooking the strawberries concentrates their flavor and creates a richer foam than using fresh berries alone.
Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add an extra tablespoon of basil syrup to the milk.
Use Fresh Basil
Fresh basil makes all the difference in this recipe. Dried basil won’t provide the same bright flavor.
A Simple Way to Enjoy the Garden
One of my favorite parts of summer is finding unexpected ways to use what we’re growing.
A handful of basil becomes a fragrant syrup. Fresh strawberries become a creamy foam. Together they create a drink that feels like something you’d order at a specialty coffee shop.
But instead of waiting in line, you get to enjoy it on your porch while admiring the very garden it came from.
There’s something special about that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the basil syrup ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Can I use store-bought strawberry syrup?
You can, but the homemade strawberry foam provides a fresher flavor and beautiful texture.
What milk works best?
Whole milk creates the creamiest latte, but oat milk or almond milk can also be used.
Can I make this without espresso?
Absolutely. Strong brewed coffee or cold brew concentrate works well as a substitute.
More Garden-Inspired Recipes You’ll Love
- Fresh Basil Lemonade
- Strawberry Basil Mocktail
- The Best Herby Chimichurri Sauce
- Perfectly Grilled Chicken with Lemon Zest
- Garden Vegetable Pasta Salad
If you make this Basil Strawberry Latte, I’d love to hear how you liked it. Leave a comment below and let me know if you’re growing basil in your garden this year.
