Legume Free Whole30 Lemon Basil Cooler
Bright, herby, and genuinely refreshing, this lemon basil cooler is the kind of drink that makes you feel like you're sitting on a sun-drenched patio even on an ordinary Tuesday. Fresh basil gets muddled until fragrant, then shaken hard with real lemon juice and cold water before being strained over ice and finished with a splash of sparkling water — it's simple technique with a seriously impressive result. Every single ingredient here is clean and plant-based in the most straightforward way, so there's zero guesswork about hidden additives or legume-derived fillers that can sneak into flavored drinks and store-bought lemonades. The combination of still and sparkling water gives it a light effervescence without being overwhelming, and the fresh basil adds an aromatic depth that makes this feel far more sophisticated than a standard lemonade. It comes together in just a few minutes with no special equipment beyond a shaker or a mason jar, making it an easy go-to for hot afternoons or as a mocktail option at gatherings. Garnish with a lemon slice and an extra basil leaf and it looks as good as it tastes.
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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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