Carrageenan Free Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler
Fresh strawberries and fragrant basil come together in a homemade syrup that makes this sparkling drink feel genuinely special — the kind of thing you'd pay too much for at a trendy café. Carrageenan is a common additive in flavored syrups, bottled drinks, and even some sparkling water products, so making your own from scratch is the cleanest way to enjoy a drink like this without second-guessing the label. Here, maple syrup and real fruit do all the sweetening, and a quick steep with fresh basil leaves gives the syrup a floral, herby depth that no store-bought version can match. A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up before the whole thing gets topped with chilled sparkling water for that satisfying fizz. The result is light, refreshing, and just a little sophisticated — perfect for a summer afternoon or a pretty mocktail moment at a dinner party. Garnish with a halved strawberry and a sprig of basil and it looks like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
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
4 servings
For the strawberry basil syrup
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup water
- 10 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
For the cooler
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 4 fresh strawberries, halved (optional)
- 4 fresh basil sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the strawberries, maple syrup, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and released their juices and the liquid is lightly syrupy, about 5 minutes.
- 2
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the basil leaves and press them gently into the warm syrup with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes, until the syrup is fragrant with basil.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!