Strawberry Basil Mocktail (Fruity and Cool!)

Name: Strawberry Basil Mocktail
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup strawberries; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup sugar; 2 oz strawberry basil syrup; 1 oz lime juice; 4 oz club soda; Ice cubes; Strawberry slices and basil leaves for garnish

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This strawberry basil mocktail is so good for hot days! Made with sweet strawberries and fresh basil, it’s a drink you will love.

I make this all summer long. You can make it in just a few steps. The mix of fruit and herbs makes it taste great. It’s cool and yummy with no booze. Your friends will ask for more!

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Basil Mocktail?

It has fresh strawberries that make it super sweet.
The basil adds a nice herb taste you’ll love.
You can make the syrup ahead of time.
It looks pretty in any glass you choose.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberries: Pick bright red ones for the best taste. When not in season, frozen ones work just as well after they thaw a bit.
Fresh basil leaves: These give that great herb smell. Pick bright green leaves without any brown spots for the best flavor.
Sugar: Makes the drink sweet enough. You can use less if you don’t want it too sweet.
Water: Used to make the syrup. Pick clean water so your drink tastes good.
Lime juice: Adds a nice sour kick. Fresh-squeezed is way better than the stuff in bottles.
Club soda: Makes your drink fizzy and fun. The bubbles make it more cool on hot days.

Equipment You’ll Need

Saucepan: A small one works best for making the syrup. One with a thick bottom helps stop burning.
Strainer: To get out the fruit bits and leaves. A fine mesh one works best to catch even small bits.
Airtight container: For keeping any extra syrup fresh. Glass jars with good lids work great for this.
Wooden spoon: Helps press out all the good juice from the fruits and herbs when making the syrup.

How to Make Strawberry Basil Mocktail?

This yummy drink needs a special syrup first, then we mix it with lime and fizzy water. You’ll have a cool drink in no time!

Step 1: Make the syrup base

Put your strawberries, basil, sugar, and water in a pan. Heat it up over medium heat. Stir it all now and then.

Step 2: Cook until soft

Keep heating for about 5 to 10 minutes. Press the fruit with your spoon. The sugar should all melt. The berries will get soft.

Step 3: Strain the mixture

Pour your mix through a strainer. Push on the bits to get all the juice out. Let the syrup cool down.

Step 4: Mix your drink

Put 2 ounces of your syrup and 1 ounce of lime juice in a glass. Add ice cubes. Top with club soda and stir.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Basil Mocktail

Don’t boil the syrup too long, or it gets too thick. Keep the heat medium and watch it closely.
Save the fruit bits from making syrup. They taste great on yogurt or ice cream for breakfast or a treat.
Add pretty garnish like fresh basil leaves or strawberry slices on the rim. It makes the drink look fancy.
Taste as you go when adding the syrup. Some like it more sweet, others like less. You can always add more.
Chill your glasses before making drinks. Cold glasses keep your mocktail cool much longer on hot days.

Variations and Substitutions

Try mint leaves instead of basil for a different herb taste. Mint brings a cool feel that works great with strawberries.
Add lemon juice if you don’t have limes. The sour taste works just as well with the sweet berries.
Use honey instead of sugar for a different kind of sweetness. Start with less since honey tastes sweeter than sugar.
Try soda water or tonic water if you don’t have club soda. The taste will change a bit, but still be good.
Add muddled berries to the glass for more fruit bits. This makes each sip have a more strawberry taste.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make syrup days ahead and keep it cold. It stays good in the fridge for up to two weeks in a tight jar.
Prep fruit garnishes a few hours before your party. Keep them in cold water so they stay fresh and crisp.
Don’t add soda until right before serving. The bubbles will go flat if you mix the drink too soon.
Keep extra syrup for other drinks or to put on pancakes. It tastes great on many foods, not just in drinks.
Freeze syrup in ice cube trays for quick single drinks later. Just add one cube to your glass with soda.

Common Questions

The syrup stays good in the fridge for up to two weeks. Keep it in a clean jar with a tight lid. Check for any odd smell before using old syrup.

Yes! This drink has no alcohol, so it’s perfect for kids. They love the sweet berry taste. You might want to use less basil for young kids.

Sparkling water, tonic water, or even Sprite can work instead of club soda. Each gives a different taste but still makes a fizzy drink you’ll enjoy.

Room temp syrup works fine, but cold syrup makes a cooler drink. If time allows, chill the syrup first. The ice will melt less in your final drink.

Yes, frozen berries work great for the syrup. Let them thaw just a bit first. They might need a minute or two less cooking time than fresh ones.