Citric Acid Free Whole30 Lemon Basil Cooler
Fresh lemon juice and garden basil are the stars here, and together they make a drink that feels genuinely refreshing without relying on anything processed or packaged. For anyone navigating a citric acid sensitivity, store-bought lemonades and sparkling beverages are often a minefield of added preservatives and synthetic acidulants — this one sidesteps all of that with just a handful of whole, recognizable ingredients. Muddling the basil releases its aromatic oils, giving the cooler a herbal depth that makes it taste far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. The combination of still and sparkling water keeps it light and effervescent without any flavored syrups or concentrates sneaking in. Shaking it over ice chills everything down fast and blends the lemon and basil into something beautifully cohesive. It's the kind of drink you'll want to make on repeat all summer long, and it comes together in just a few minutes with nothing more than a shaker and a strainer.
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Learn more →Ingredients
2 servings
- 8 fresh basil leaves, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 4 lemons)
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 cup ice cubes
For serving
- 2 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the basil leaves in a cocktail shaker or large mason jar. Muddle firmly with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon until the leaves are bruised and fragrant, about 10 seconds.
- 2
Add the lemon juice, cold water, and ice to the shaker. Seal and shake vigorously for 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
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