Nitrate & Nitrite Free Cucumber-Basil Lemon Mint Soda
This homemade soda is the kind of drink that makes you wonder why you ever reached for a can. Fresh cucumber, bruised basil, and bright mint come together with real lemon juice and honey for a flavor that's floral, cooling, and just sweet enough. Every single ingredient is whole and recognizable, which means no hidden preservatives, color additives, or cured-meat-style curing agents to worry about — just clean, garden-fresh goodness in a glass. The muddling step is where the magic happens, coaxing out the cucumber's subtle juice and releasing the oils from the herbs so the flavor runs deep before a drop of sparkling water ever hits the glass. Straining the mixture keeps the texture silky and the pour elegant, and that slow pour of chilled sparkling water down the side of the glass is a small move that makes a big difference in keeping the bubbles lively. Serve it immediately over ice with a lemon slice and a sprig of herbs and it looks genuinely impressive with almost zero effort.
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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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