MSG Free Cucumber-Basil Grapefruit Rosemary Sparkler
This herbal, citrus-forward sparkler is the kind of drink that makes a regular afternoon feel like a special occasion. Fresh grapefruit juice brings a bright, slightly bitter punch, while muddled cucumber and basil add a cooling, garden-fresh depth that's genuinely refreshing. The rosemary-honey syrup is the secret weapon here — just a few minutes on the stove with real honey and fresh rosemary sprigs creates a fragrant, lightly floral sweetness that ties everything together beautifully. Every single ingredient in this drink is whole and natural, so there's no need to scan labels or second-guess what's hiding in a flavored syrup or premixed cocktail base. It's a great reminder that the most satisfying drinks are often the ones built entirely from scratch. Serve it over ice with a few extra herb sprigs and cucumber slices for a presentation that looks far more impressive than the effort required.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
For the rosemary-honey syrup
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup water
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
For the sparkler
- ½ cup fresh grapefruit juice (from about 1 large grapefruit)
- ⅓ cup cucumber, thinly sliced (about ¼ of a medium cucumber), plus extra for garnish
- 8 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 2 tbsp rosemary-honey syrup (from above)
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 thin cucumber slices (optional)
- 2 small fresh basil sprigs (optional)
- 2 small fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the honey, water, and rosemary sprigs in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the honey dissolves, about 2 minutes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat and let the rosemary steep for 15 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant and lightly herbal.
- 2
Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl or jar, discarding the rosemary sprigs. Let the syrup cool to room temperature before using.
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