Nitrate & Nitrite Free Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler
Fresh strawberries, fragrant basil, a splash of lemon, and sparkling water — that's genuinely all you need for a drink this beautiful. The syrup is made from scratch on the stovetop, so you know exactly what's going in the glass with zero mystery additives or preservatives to worry about. Simmering the berries with maple syrup draws out their natural sweetness, and steeping the basil in the warm liquid coaxes out a herbal, almost floral depth that makes this feel far more sophisticated than a simple fruit drink. A squeeze of fresh lemon ties everything together with just the right amount of brightness. The result is a rosy, jewel-toned cooler that looks stunning in a tall glass over ice, especially with a halved berry and a sprig of basil tucked in for garnish. It's the kind of thing you'd happily serve at a summer brunch or a backyard gathering and watch disappear in minutes.
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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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