Eggless Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler
Fresh strawberries and fragrant basil come together in a homemade syrup that makes this sparkling cooler feel genuinely special — the kind of drink you'd pay too much for at a fancy brunch spot. Cooking the berries down with maple syrup and water draws out their natural sweetness, and steeping the basil in the warm liquid gives the whole thing a floral, herby depth that store-bought mixers just can't touch. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up before the syrup gets chilled and topped with cold sparkling water, so every sip is refreshing and perfectly balanced. Because it's built entirely from fruit, herbs, a natural sweetener, and fizzy water, there's nothing here to second-guess — no hidden additives, no animal-derived thickeners, just clean, vibrant ingredients. It's a gorgeous option for warm-weather entertaining, and the deep ruby syrup looks absolutely stunning in a tall glass over ice. Garnish with a halved strawberry and a sprig of basil and it's practically ready for its close-up.
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!