Description
A refreshing, sugar-free summer drink made with fresh strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and sparkling water. It takes only five minutes to prepare and offers a naturally sweet, fizzy treat without refined sugars.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup (120ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60-120g) monk fruit sweetener or erythritol
- 4 cups (960ml) chilled sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Extra basil sprigs for garnish
- Thin lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Add hulled strawberries, fresh basil leaves, fresh lemon juice, water, and sweetener to a blender.
- Pulse briefly to break up ingredients, then blend on high for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth.
- Place a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl or pitcher and pour the blended mixture through it.
- Use a spoon to press down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard the pulp and basil bits.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the strawberry-basil syrup over the ice in each glass.
- Top with chilled sparkling water and stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with a thin lemon slice and a sprig of fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use the ripest strawberries for natural sweetness. Do not over-blend the basil to avoid bitterness. Store the syrup separately in the fridge for up to 5 days; mix with sparkling water only when ready to serve to maintain fizz. For a party, keep syrup and sparkling water in separate pitchers for guests to mix their own drinks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverages
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 1/4
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 10
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Keywords: sugar-free, strawberry basil lemonade, sparkling water, summer drink, keto-friendly, vegan, refreshing, healthy drinks, no sugar added