Vibrant strawberry and basil drink with sparkling water and a touch of citrus—light, herb-forward, and quick to prepare.
# What You’ll Use:
→ Fruit & Herbs
01 - 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 5 oz), hulled and sliced
02 - 8 fresh basil leaves, lightly bruised
03 - 2 lemon wedges (optional), for garnish
→ Sweetener
04 - 1 to 2 tablespoons simple syrup or agave nectar, adjust to taste
→ Liquids
05 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
06 - 1 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water
→ Ice
07 - Ice cubes, as needed
# How-To:
01 - Place the strawberries and basil leaves in a sturdy glass or shaker and muddle until the berries release their juices and the basil is aromatic.
02 - Stir in the simple syrup (or agave) and the fresh lemon juice until evenly combined.
03 - Fill two serving glasses with ice cubes to chill.
04 - Evenly divide the strawberry-basil mixture between the prepared glasses, using a spoon to include the juiced solids.
05 - Gently top each glass with chilled sparkling water and stir once to integrate without flattening the bubbles.
06 - Garnish with a lemon wedge and an extra basil leaf if desired, and serve immediately.