High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler

Fresh strawberries and maple syrup come together in a homemade syrup that is bright, floral, and completely free of the processed sweeteners hiding in most store-bought sodas and flavored drinks. The basil steeps right into the warm syrup, adding an herby depth that makes this cooler feel genuinely sophisticated — not just a fruit drink, but something you'd happily serve at a summer gathering. A splash of fresh lemon juice sharpens everything up before the whole thing gets topped with chilled sparkling water for that satisfying fizz. Because you're building the syrup from scratch, you control every ingredient, which means no mystery additives and no corn-derived sweeteners sneaking into your glass. The result is a gorgeous, ruby-red drink that looks like it came from a fancy café but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Garnish with a halved strawberry and a sprig of basil and it's almost too pretty to drink — almost.

About Fig

Fig 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
GPC Strawberries Clear Springs Strawberries Naturipe Farmed Fresh Strawberries Oppy's Ocean Spray Strawberries Dole Strawberries
See all
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!