Sparkling Lemon Basil Mocktail with Fresh Mint

Prep Time 10 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Cuisine: American

Courses: Beverage

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 2

Calories: 90

Description

This lemon basil mocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that blends the tangy zest of lemon, the aromatic freshness of basil, and the cool kick of mint with sparkling water, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 medium sized fresh lemons
1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves (around 15 leaves)
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves (around 10 leaves)
750 ml of sparkling water
1/2 cup of simple syrup
1 tsp of dried basil
2 basil sprigs (for garnish). Use 1 sprig per glass
2 mint sprigs (for garnish). Use 1 sprig per glass
4 lemon slices (for garnish). Use 2 lemon slices per glass
1 cup (8–10) cubes total. Use 4–5 cubes per glass
250 ml of apple cider (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients

1
Juice the Lemons
- Wash the basil and mint leaves thoroughly.
- Gently pat dry with a towel to avoid bruising.
- Roll the lemons on the counter with gentle pressure to soften them before cutting.
- Slice them in half and use a citrus juicer to extract the juice.
- Aim to collect about 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
2
Muddle the Herbs
- In a sturdy pitcher, add the fresh basil and mint leaves.
- Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently press down on the leaves to release their essential oils without pulverizing them into a paste.
- Don’t over-muddle (10–15 presses max) to avoid bitterness.

Combine the Base

3
Mix the Citrus and Sweetener
- Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice into the pitcher with muddled herbs.
- Add the simple syrup, and if you’re using sparkling apple cider for an extra twist, add it here. Stir gently to combine.
4
Infuse the Flavors
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the basil and mint to infuse their flavors into the lemon juice.
- This step is crucial, think of it as the resting period that brings all the flavors together harmoniously.

Add the Sparkle

5
Add Sparkling Water
- Slowly pour the chilled sparkling water into your pitcher.
- Stir lightly to maintain the fizz.
6
Adjust Sweetness
- If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more simple syrup and stir again.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness.

Serve and Garnish

7
Ice and Garnish
- Fill your serving glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour the mocktail over the ice, ensuring a generous distribution of the herb leaves.
- Add a lemon wheel, basil sprig, and mint sprig to each glass.
- For flair, rim glasses with a lemon zest twist.
8
Final Touches
- For an extra hint of aroma and flavor, lightly slap a fresh basil leaf between your hands before dropping it into the glass.
- This releases additional essential oils, enhancing the drink’s overall profile.
9
Sip and Savor
- Your sparkling lemon basil mocktail with fresh mint is now ready to be enjoyed.
- It’s perfect for a sunny afternoon, an elegant brunch, or even a sophisticated evening gathering.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Serving Size 1 glass

Amount Per Serving
Calories 90kcal

% Daily Value *
Sodium 10mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 24g8%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 22g

Vitamin C 22.5 mg
Calcium 20 mg
Iron 0.36 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

The fresher your lemons, basil, and mint, the brighter and more complex the flavor profile. Always opt for organic produce if possible to ensure the highest quality.
The magic of this mocktail lies in the herb infusion process. Allowing the basil and mint to steep in the lemon juice for a few minutes enhances the aroma and creates a more integrated flavor.
When adding the sparkling water, do it slowly. This preserves the carbonation and keeps the mocktail delightfully fizzy throughout.
As with any great recipe, personalization is key. Experiment with the ratios of lemon, basil, and mint until you find the balance that suits your palate perfectly.