Pecan Free 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. The process is simple: simmer the fruit with maple syrup and water, steep in the basil leaves until the whole mixture smells incredible, then strain it into a clean, bright syrup you can keep chilled until you're ready to pour. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice sharpens everything up beautifully before the sparkling water brings it all to life with a satisfying fizz. Because every component here is made from scratch with whole, recognizable ingredients, there's zero guesswork about what's actually in your glass — no store-bought syrups with vague "natural flavors" to second-guess. It's naturally free of tree nuts in every step, from the syrup to the garnish, so it's a genuinely safe and refreshing option for anyone navigating nut allergies at a gathering. Serve it tall over ice with a halved strawberry and a sprig of basil on the rim, and it looks as good as it tastes.
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!