Vegetarian Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

4.6

(11)

Vegetarian Strawberry Basil Sparkling Cooler

Fresh strawberries simmered down with maple syrup and fragrant basil create a homemade syrup that puts any store-bought mixer to shame. The basil steeps gently in the warm liquid, infusing it with an herby, floral depth that makes every sip feel a little unexpected and a lot refreshing. A squeeze of lemon juice sharpens everything up before the syrup meets a tall glass of chilled sparkling water, and the result is bright, bubbly, and genuinely beautiful. Every single ingredient here is plant-based, so there's nothing to swap or second-guess — just pour, garnish, and enjoy. It's the kind of drink that looks like it came from a fancy brunch spot but comes together in your own kitchen with minimal effort. Serve it over ice with a halved strawberry and a sprig of basil on the rim, and it's instantly the most impressive thing on the table.

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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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