Cinnamon Free Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler
Fresh strawberries and fragrant basil come together in a homemade syrup that is genuinely more vibrant than anything you'd find bottled on a store shelf. The process is simple — a quick simmer to coax out the berry juices, a gentle steep to pull the herbal notes from the basil, and a bright hit of lemon juice to tie it all together. Many flavored syrups and sparkling drinks sneak in spice blends or natural flavoring mixes that can be hard to vet, so making your own from scratch puts you completely in control of every ingredient. Maple syrup does the sweetening here, adding a subtle depth without any of the spice-forward profiles that can complicate other sweeteners. The result is a tall, ice-cold glass that looks stunning with its jewel-toned color and fresh garnishes, making it just as fitting for a backyard gathering as it is for a quiet afternoon treat. It's refreshing, a little fancy, and completely free of anything that doesn't belong in your glass.
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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.
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