Strawberry Basil Mocktail (Printable View)

Bright strawberry and basil mix with lemon and sparkling water—an easy, cooling summer drink for two.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fruit & Herbs

01 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 8 fresh basil leaves, lightly torn
03 - 2 lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)

→ Sweetener

04 - 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste

→ Liquids

05 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 - 1 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water
07 - Ice cubes, as needed

# How To Make It:

01 - In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries and torn basil leaves until the berries release their juice and the basil aroma is pronounced.
02 - Add 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to the muddled mixture; stir or gently shake until combined.
03 - Fill two serving glasses with ice cubes.
04 - Portion the strawberry‑basil mash evenly between the two glasses.
05 - Top each glass with 3/4 cup chilled sparkling water (total 1 1/2 cups) and stir gently to integrate without crushing the ice.
06 - Garnish with lemon wedges and additional basil leaves if desired; serve immediately while chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Mixing basil and strawberries turns a simple drink into something surprisingly fancy, without any effort.
  • It’s the perfect party trick for impressing guests who want something vibrant but non-alcoholic.
02 -
  • If you muddle the basil too roughly, it can turn bitter – go just until fragrant, not shredded.
  • Sifting the finished drink through a fine mesh sieve removes the tiny strawberry seeds for a smoother sip.
03 -
  • Start small on sweetener; you can always add more, but you can’t take it out.
  • Chill all your ingredients, even the glass, for ultra-refreshing results.
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