High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Cucumber-Basil Lemon Mint Soda
This sparkling soda is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a shaded patio somewhere wonderful, even if you're just in your own kitchen. Muddled cucumber, fresh basil, and mint come together with bright lemon juice and a touch of honey for a flavor that's cooling, herbal, and just sweet enough. Honey does all the sweetening here — no corn syrup, no mystery syrups, no processed sweeteners hiding in the mix. That matters more than you'd think, because so many store-bought sodas and flavored sparkling waters sneak in high-fructose corn syrup or ambiguous "natural flavors" that aren't so natural after all. Every ingredient in this recipe is exactly what it says it is: fresh produce, real citrus, and a drizzle of honey. The technique is simple — muddle, shake, strain, and pour slowly to keep that satisfying fizz intact. It's a genuinely refreshing homemade soda that tastes far more impressive than the effort it takes to make.
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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.
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