Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →🍋
A sweetened, concentrated lemon-and-basil drink syrup, typically diluted with water.
In season: Spring · Summer
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 tablespoon (medium) of Lemon-basil cordial (20 g) has 52 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 13 g of carbs, 0 g of protein, 0 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its glycemic index is 65 (high), so it raises blood sugar quickly.
Selected: 1 tablespoon (medium) · 20 g
52
KCAL / 20G
Carbs
13g
· 5% DV
Protein
0g
· 0% DV
Fat
0g
· 0% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 100% · Protein 0% · Fat 0%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 52 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 0.6 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 13 g | 5% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 0 g | 0% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.

| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 tablespoon (medium) | 20 g | 52 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (small) | 7 g | 18 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 30 g | 78 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (large) | 40 g | 104 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 40 g | 104 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 260 kcal |
| 1 cup (large) | 240 g | 624 kcal |
| 1 bottle (large) | 500 g | 1300 kcal |
| 1 bottle (extra large) | 750 g | 1950 kcal |
Calculated from 260 calories per 100 g.
Lemon-basil cordial is a sweet, concentrated syrup flavored with lemon and basil, usually mixed with water before drinking. It is a mixer rather than a ready-to-drink lemonade, and its tart citrus flavor pairs with the herb’s fresh, aromatic notes.
No, lemon-basil cordial is generally a non-alcoholic syrup. The word “cordial” can refer to alcoholic drinks in some contexts, but this lemon-and-basil concentrate is mixed into water or added to a cocktail; alcohol comes from other ingredients.
Mix lemon-basil cordial with still or sparkling water, then adjust the amount until the drink tastes right to you. Add the cordial gradually: it is concentrated and sweet, so pouring in too much can overwhelm the lemon and basil flavors.
Make lemon-basil cordial by combining lemon juice and sugar syrup, then steeping fresh basil in the mixture and straining it. Let the basil infuse briefly rather than boiling it for a long time, which can dull its fresh aroma.
Lemon-basil cordial works in both alcoholic cocktails and alcohol-free drinks. Combine it with sparkling water and ice for a simple spritz, or add it to gin or vodka; taste before adding other sweeteners because the cordial is already sweet.
Keep lemon-basil cordial tightly sealed in the refrigerator after opening, and avoid introducing crumbs or used utensils. Refrigerate homemade cordial too, and discard it if you notice mold, unexpected fizzing, or an unusual smell.
No, lemon-basil cordial is not a direct substitute for lemon juice because it adds both sweetness and basil flavor. It can work in a dressing or dessert if you reduce other sweeteners and still add enough acidity to balance the dish.
Serve lemon-basil cordial mixed with chilled still or sparkling water alongside summery meals, salads, or grilled food. Its lemon-and-herb flavor also suits fruit desserts; keep it diluted enough that its sweetness does not dominate the food.
Yes, lemon-basil cordial can flavor fruit salad, cake drizzle, or a simple glaze. Add it a little at a time and reduce other sweet ingredients, since the cordial contributes both lemon-basil flavor and sweetness.
Yes, stir lemon-basil cordial into hot water or tea for a sweet citrus-and-herb drink. Add it after brewing and start with a small amount, as heat can make the basil aroma more noticeable.
Vitamins
Vitamin C
0.5mg · 1% DV
B2
0mg · 0% DV
B1
0mg · 0% DV
B6
0mg · 0% DV
Minerals
Copper
0mg · 0% DV
Manganese
0mg · 0% DV
Phosphorus
0.6mg · 0% DV
Iron
0.01mg · 0% DV
Potassium ⭐
2mg · 0% DV
Sodium
0.6mg · 0% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 52 calories in 1 tablespoon (medium) (20 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Lemon-basil cordial is a sweet, concentrated syrup made with lemon and basil, intended to be diluted into a drink rather than sipped neat. The bright citrus and fragrant, gently herbal notes make it a fresh alternative to plain lemonade, though recipes vary in how pronounced the basil flavour is.
In Britain and elsewhere, cordials are commonly mixed with still or sparkling water and served chilled; it also works well as a mixer in non-alcoholic drinks. It is mainly a source of carbohydrates from its added sweetness, so a small splash can bring plenty of flavour. Start with a little cordial, dilute to taste, and add ice or a slice of lemon for a lighter, refreshing serve.
Low
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
No known major allergens
Vegan
✓ Suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
0g
MONOUNSATURATED
0g
POLYUNSATURATED
0g
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.