Nitrate & Nitrite Free Cucumber-Basil Turmeric Tonic
This vibrant blended tonic is the kind of drink that looks like it came from a trendy wellness café but comes together in your own kitchen with just a handful of fresh ingredients. Cool cucumber and fragrant basil get blended with bright lemon juice, honey, and earthy turmeric before being strained into a silky, jewel-toned liquid that's as beautiful as it is refreshing. The whole thing is naturally free from cured or processed ingredients — no deli meats, no packaged shortcuts, just whole foods doing all the work. Turmeric gives it a gorgeous golden hue and a gently warming depth that plays perfectly against the crisp cucumber and herby basil. A finish of sparkling water adds a satisfying effervescence that makes this feel like a proper cocktail-hour drink, even without the alcohol. It's the kind of recipe you'll want to make on a hot afternoon when you need something that feels both indulgent and genuinely good for you.
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
- 1 medium english cucumber (about 10 oz), roughly chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tsp fresh turmeric, peeled and grated (or ½ tsp ground turmeric)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 cup sparkling water, for topping
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 thin cucumber slices, for garnish (optional)
- 2 small fresh basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the chopped cucumber, basil leaves, turmeric, lemon juice, honey, and cold water to a blender. Blend on high until completely smooth, about 30–45 seconds.
- 2
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or large measuring cup, pressing the solids with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. Let the strained liquid rest for 5 minutes so any remaining foam settles.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!