Artificial Flavors Free Cucumber-Basil Lemon Mint Soda
Store-bought sodas and flavored sparkling waters are notorious for hiding synthetic additives behind vague "natural and artificial flavors" labels, making a genuinely clean fizzy drink surprisingly hard to find. This one sidesteps all of that by building its flavor entirely from real ingredients — muddled cucumber, fresh basil, fresh mint, squeezed lemon juice, and a touch of honey dissolved right into the mix. The result is a bright, herbaceous soda that tastes like something you'd pay too much for at a fancy café, except you made it in your own kitchen. Muddling the cucumber and herbs together coaxes out their natural oils and juice, so every sip is layered and aromatic without a drop of flavoring syrup in sight. Straining the mixture before pouring keeps the texture clean and smooth, while adding the sparkling water slowly down the side of the glass locks in that satisfying fizz. It's refreshing, elegant, and completely free of anything you can't pronounce — just whole ingredients doing exactly what they're supposed to do.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- ½ medium cucumber, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- 8 fresh basil leaves
- 8 fresh mint leaves
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 ½ cups plain sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 thin lemon slices, for serving (optional)
- 2 small fresh basil or mint sprigs, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the cucumber slices, basil leaves, and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker or large mason jar. Muddle firmly until the cucumber releases its juice and the herbs are bruised and fragrant, about 20–25 presses.
- 2
Add the lemon juice, honey, and cold water to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!