Nitrate & Nitrite Free Whole30 Lemon Basil Cooler
Fresh basil and bright lemon juice come together in this sparkling cooler that feels like something you'd order at a fancy café — except you made it in about five minutes at home. Every single ingredient here is exactly what it says it is: herbs, citrus, water, and ice. That simplicity is the whole point, and it means you never have to squint at a label wondering what's lurking in a flavored drink mix or bottled lemonade. Muddling the basil is a small step that makes a huge difference, releasing those herby, slightly sweet aromatics that turn this from plain lemonade into something genuinely special. The combination of still and sparkling water gives it a light effervescence without any additives or preservatives — just clean, refreshing fizz. It's the kind of drink that works equally well as a midday pick-me-up, a mocktail for a dinner party, or a reward after a long afternoon. Serve it immediately while the bubbles are lively and the ice is still doing its job.
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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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