Description

This refreshing mocktail is the ultimate thirst-quencher, blending the natural sweetness of ripe berries with an herbaceous kick from fresh basil. It offers a sophisticated, complex flavor profile that feels indulgent without the sugar crash. Crisp, fizzy, and incredibly vibrant, it’s a satisfying option for anyone seeking a wholesome, low-carb drink that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Ingredients

Scale

3 medium fresh strawberries (hulled and quartered) (approx. 36g)
3-4 large fresh basil leaves (rinsed)
2 teaspoons granulated monk fruit sweetener (or erythritol blend) (8g)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon) (15ml)
1 pinch sea salt (optional, to enhance sweetness)
1 cup ice cubes (or enough to fill the glass)
3/4 cup plain sparkling water (chilled) (180ml)
1 whole strawberry (sliced, for garnish)

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Instructions

Combine base ingredients: In a sturdy rocks glass or cocktail shaker, place the quartered strawberries, fresh basil leaves, monk fruit sweetener, lemon juice, and the optional pinch of sea salt.
Muddle the mixture: Using a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, firmly crush the ingredients together for about 60 seconds. Sensory Cue: Stop when the strawberries are pulpy and clearly broken down, and the scent of basil becomes strong and fragrant.
Add ice: Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes to chill the mixture instantly.
Pour and stir: Pour the sparkling water over the ice. Using a long spoon, give it a gentle stir to lift the fruit and herbs from the bottom without killing the carbonation.
Garnish and serve: Place the sliced strawberry on the rim of the glass and serve immediately while fizzy.

Notes

Allergy Alert: This recipe is naturally free from gluten, dairy, nuts, and soy.
Refining Texture: If you prefer a cleaner drink without fruit pieces, complete step 2 in a separate bowl, strain the liquid into your serving glass, and discard the solids before adding ice and water.
Citrus Swap: You can substitute the lemon juice with lime juice for a sharper, mojito-like profile.

Why it works:

Salt: A tiny pinch of salt suppresses bitterness and makes the fruit taste sweeter without adding extra carbohydrates.
Muddling: Crushing the basil rather than chopping it prevents the leaves from bruising and turning brown, releasing only the essential aromatic oils.

Key success warnings:

Over-muddling: Do not shred the basil into tiny bits; just bruise it. If you shred it, the drink may take on a bitter, grassy taste.
Sweetener Dissolving: Granulated erythritol/monk fruit can sometimes remain grainy in cold liquids. Muddling it with the lemon juice first helps it dissolve better than adding it to the water later.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is calculated using third-party databases and is provided as a courtesy. Since values vary by brand and produce, we suggest calculating them yourself for the most accurate results.