While I gave up sodas long ago, I still miss them when eating a few things … like pizza or steamed crabs. I knew we’d be having steamed crabs the other evening and I decided to make a frozen “slushie”-type beverage as a healthier substitute. Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie.
![This Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie is so refreshing, so cooling. Ideal for summer! [from GlutenFreeEasily.com] (photo)](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/4900415000_f4f5cd64b8_z.jpg "Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Ice")
Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie
I remembered a recipe that I’d seen in the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine—Lemon Basil Ice made with Meyer lemons. However, that recipe took almost 5 hours to make—yikes!
I wanted something I could whip up fairly quickly. Plus, I didn’t have any Meyer lemons available. I also wanted a beverage that had a little more slush than ice, so I decided to include some lite coconut milk versus just water. And, I wanted to use my new Boyajian citrus oils, namely the lemon and lime oils, that I’d received as a birthday gift.
Today’s recipe for Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie or Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Ice Cream—your choice, or make both!—is what I came up with. It’s ideal as a slushie to sip while picking crabs or just chilling on the screened porch or deck, but also wonderful as a spoonable ice cream!
![Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie or Ice Cream. You choose! You really can't go wrong either way! [from GlutenFreeEasily.com] (photo)](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/4900400802_b95b8901e0_z.jpg "Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie or Ice Cream. You choose! You really can't go wrong either way!")
Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Ice Cream
More Gluten-Free Lemon and Lime Recipes Featured on gfe
~ Cooling and Luscious Key Lime Pie Recipes
~ Key Lime Cheesecake Bars (Gluten-Free and Vegan)
Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie or Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Ice Cream Recipe
Lemon-Lime Coconut Basil Slushie or Ice Cream
This combination of lemon, lime, coconut, and basil is so cooling and refreshing. You can sip it, eat it with a spoon, or do a little of both!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 3/4 cups lite coconut milk, chilled (I used ¾ cup full-fat coconut milk and 1 cup filtered water)
- ¼ cup honey (or agave nectar, or other sweetener of your choice to taste)
- 4 drops vanilla crème liquid stevia (or more honey or other sweetener of choice, if needed)
- ¼ cup fresh, chopped or sliced basil
- ¼ tsp lemon oil (or 1 tsp lemon zest)
- ¼ tsp lime oil (or 1 tsp lime zest)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, heat water over med-high heat until steaming, not boiling. Add basil and let stand 15 minutes. Pour through fine mesh sieve; discard basil. Set in freezer in shallow pan for about 15. It should be thoroughly chilled but not frozen, even on the edges. (It’s not a good idea to add frozen ingredients to one’s ice cream maker.)
- In a large bowl or blender, add lemon oil, lime oil, lemon juice, lime juice, “basil water,” coconut milk, honey, and stevia. Use a hand mixer or blender to blend.
- Add to a pre-frozen container of ice cream maker. Churn 15 – 30 minutes. Yes, that’s a wide gap of time. Check at 15 minutes to see if the mixture has reached your desired consistency. I really wanted a beverage to sip with my steamed crabs more than a scoopable snow cone-like mix, so I was pleased with the consistency at 15 minutes for that purpose. However, I churned the mixture for the full 25 or 30 minutes, and perhaps additional freezing afterward, might be needed for a firmer ice dessert. Again, I mainly wanted a beverage, so even at churning the full time, I let most of the ice get “melty” and then sipped it as a beverage. Very light and refreshing.
Notes
You can use any sweetener as I stated above, but honey always yields a softer, more scoopable frozen dessert, so I recommend using at least some honey.
I used fresh lemon and lime juice; I’m sure that bottled juices would work, but the results would not be quite as flavorfu and may taste "processed."
If using lemon and lime oil (versus lemon and lime zest), do not use with plastic measuring (or stirring) spoons; the oil will eat right through the plastic. Next time, I’ll remember to use my stainless steel measuring spoons, which are much better to use anyway.
The basil flavoring in this mix is very mild. If you want a stronger basil flavor, steep basil in water for 30 minutes.
Finally, if you read the ingredients of lite coconut milk, you'll see that they are water and coconut milk (and maybe guar gum depending on the brand). The lite coconut milk costs the same amount as the full-fat coconut milk at my store. Why not just buy full-fat coconut milk and add filtered water to make your own lite coconut milk? As soon as I open a can of coconut milk, I transfer it to a glass jar immediately anyway. So now, if I want light coconut milk, I simply use a bigger jar and add filtered water. This method works great.
p.s. If you have so much basil that you don’t know what to do with it all, follow Kalyn’s (Kalyn’s Kitchen) directions on freezing fresh basil. It sure would be nice to have some basil in sauces and soups in the middle of winter! Read and see Kalyn’s guidance here.
Shirley
Not just gf, but gfe!
Originally published August 17, 2010; updated August 15, 2022.
Jenn says
That ice sounds SO refreshing….. I can’t wait til I can get a freezer that works so I can try it!
Thanks for the link! In the comments is quite the chemistry analysis of why Kiva’s flax bread recipe works so well!!
Shirley says
Hi Jenn–It was a nice treat for sure. 🙂 Well, you could look to the original BH&G recipe that inspired me here. That did not require an ice cream maker. I do hope you get an ice cream maker though, because I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you make. 😉
Glad to share your great posts … I must read the comments. I think I only skimmed the comments before. The chemistry discussion might have made my eyes roll back in my head. LOL … but true. I’m sorry to say that to you as a chemist. Sometimes I don’t want to know why … I just want the process/recipe to work. As soon as cooler weather returns, I’ll be making more of Kiva’s flax bread. 🙂
Shirley
Ricki says
Oh, my goodness. . SO MUCH is going on in the world of blogs/websites! I love posts like this because I am so behind I would never know about half this stuff if not for bloggers like you! Thanks, Shirley. 🙂
And WOW I see that I must jump on this basil-and-lemon bandwagon! Your ice/ice cream looks fantastic and sounds so, so refreshing. Yum!
Thanks, too, for mentioning the ebook. I’m very excited for it–I mean, it’s ALL dessert! 😉 I must go check out Susan’s documentary as well, plus at least 10 of those other links you mention!
Shirley says
Hi Ricki–Thanks! Glad to help you with blog reading management. 😉 I think you’d really like the basil and lemon combo. Very light, but luscious.
Can’t wait to see the new e-book! I predict that it will be very popular. 🙂 Susan’s documentary is excellent; I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Enjoy the links!
Shirley
Tiffany Janes says
Thanks for linking to my post about Danna’s latest book! When I read the forward from Fasano I did a double take – I could not believe the number was even high than I’d read before. Yes – it’s a good time to be gluten-free in the U.S. Finally!!!
Shirley says
Hi Tiffany-My pleasure to share your review! It was a great one–both for Danna’s updated book and for Fasano’s words, with your extrapolation on what that exactly means in terms of the U.S. population. Now to make sure everyone knows the prevalence and gives it and us our due. 😉
Thanks so much for stopping by! 🙂
Shirley
Kim @ Cook It Allergy Free says
Wow! What a post! Where do you find the time?? 😉
Thank you so much for giving me to shout-outs here! You are awesome! I really really appreciate it!
This ice looks so delicious! Those flavors go so well together. I recently made Nancy’s (Sensitive Pantry) Lemon Basil Ice Cream and it was the most refreshing treat! Now I will have to try this one. After all, my boys cannot complain about basil if they are getting it in a treat like this!
xo
k
Shirley says
Hi Kim–Don’t ask Mr. GFE that question … he’ll swear he never sees me. 😉 Truth is I just replaced former activities, like tv watching, with blogging. 😉
I still plan to try lemon basil ice cream. I’ve enjoyed it before, but have never made it. It’s one of those flavors that really surprises you, isn’t it?
I don’t think your boys will complain at all. Let me know.
Hugsss,
Shirley
Linda says
That looks so delicious. I love the glass you used and the garnishes. It makes me want some right now. I don’t like soda very much, but like you I sometimes want one with certain foods like pizza.
Shirley says
Thanks, Linda! I had a moment of inspiration on the glass and garnishes. 😉 I did feel special enjoying my treat. I don’t know why soda seems tasty with certain meals. I’m thinking it’s more about the carbonation effect, but this refreshing slushie worked nicely for me. 🙂
Shirley
Kim @ Cook It Allergy Free says
Wow! Shirley, 3 links for me in one post! You are one awesome woman!! Thank you so much for adding my lunch box post as well! You are so supportive of everyone and a very special lady. 😉
Shirley says
Hey Kim–You’re welcome, dear. 🙂 I am humbled by your accolades. I do totally appreciate them, but really I’m just sharing what is current and valuable to my readers. Lucky for me and the gfe readers, you had several posts that fit the bill! Just always trying to spread awareness and support excellent bloggers with great content. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Donielle @ Naturally Knocked Up says
Sounds refreshing! Thanks for linking up – stumbled!
Shirley says
Hi Donielle–Thanks so much for the comment and the Stumble! 🙂
Shirley
stephanie @ glutenfreebynature says
Hi Shirley,
I agree with everyone – what a great post !! It’s amazing: you’ve detailed so much great information in there, as always. Your lemon basil delight looks absolutely fabulous. This one goes on the short list for sure.
Thanks so very much for the lovely mention. That was so kind of you.
Shirley says
Hi Stephanie!–So great to see you. 🙂 Thanks very much for the kind words. It’s rewarding to know that folks find these newsy posts of value.
Yes, the frozen beverage is a nice treat as your frozen hot chocolate surely is, too! Had to mention it … must make it soon. 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Alta says
What a refreshing treat, and as always, you are a wealth of gluten-free information. Now I’m off to check out some of these links you shared.
Kim says
Thanks for the shout out, Shirley! This ice/drink/smoothie looks amazing! You know how I love my frozen treats!
Kim
Shirley says
Hey Kim–My pleasure! 🙂 Actually I think you included a link to my site the other day (for the gfe-unique giveaway I think) … not sure if thanked you. If not, thanks!
That is a lovely frozen drink … I could use one right about now to perk me up for the afternoon after a late night from traveling out of town. We are kindred spirits in our frozen treat love … who can resist frozen drinks/smoothies? 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Aubree Cherie says
Hey Shirley,
I wanted to let you know that I added this tasty looking fabulous-ness to my favorite recipes from last week! I think I would really enjoy the texture (I’m already sold on the tastes 🙂 )
~Aubree Cherie
Shirley says
Hi Aubree–You honor me so when you include my gfe recipes! 🙂 Now I must go check out the other entries … last week was awesome! Love your weekly Top 10!
Hugs to you,
Shirley
Sophie says
Hello Shirley!!
What an ode to these lovely GF bloggers!! I all checked them out!
Your coconut & basil lemon & lime ice looks great & sp tasty too! That smoothy looks refreshing too!
MMMMMMMMM,…I also made your GF flat & firm cornbread & your banana & maple nut muffins & these 2 recipes were divine!! It all tasted superb!!
Shirley says
Hi Sophie!–How terrific that you’ve been following the links and checking out some new bloggers!
I do love this recipe made either way. 🙂
Oh, I’m so thrilled that you made two of my recipes and really liked them. Maybe you should adopt me next month for the Adopt a GF Blogger event. You’d have a head start, especially if you took any photos! 😉
Hugs,
Shirley
Melanie says
This looks so refreshing and fun! It would go perfect with the hot temps were having in florida. This would be a fabulous beverage to make for my neighbors when they’re over this weekend. Excited to make it for them! Thanks Shirley! 🙂
Shirley says
Melanie–It is a fun light drink. 🙂 Hope you all enjoy it! It’s too hot EVERYWHERE it seems. 😉
Shirley