Refreshing Strawberry Basil Mocktail (Honey Fizz!)

Say hello to your new favorite non-alcoholic drink for spring and summer: this incredibly refreshing Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz Mocktail! This beautiful beverage features muddled fresh strawberries and aromatic basil, naturally sweetened with a simple honey syrup, brightened with lime juice, and topped with bubbly sparkling water. I absolutely adore making vibrant drinks like this Strawberry Basil Mocktail when the weather is warm and fresh ingredients are abundant - perfect for enjoying right now on this lovely May evening! It truly screams "perfect patio drink" and takes just minutes to whip up.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Basil Mocktail

• Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of strawberry, basil, lime, and sparkling water is light, bright, and thirst-quenching.
• Naturally Sweetened: Uses a simple honey syrup instead of refined sugar.
• Easy to Make: Quick steps involving making syrup, muddling, and mixing.
• Beautiful Presentation: Looks gorgeous in a glass with the fresh fruit and herbs.
• Perfect Non-Alcoholic Option: A sophisticated and flavorful drink everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients for Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz Mocktail

Here's what you'll need to mix up this refreshing mocktail. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

Honey Simple Syrup

• Honey (Sweetener)
• Water (Liquid)

Mocktail

• Strawberries, sliced or roughly chopped (Fruit)
• Fresh basil leaves, torn (Herb)
• Lime juice, freshly squeezed (Acid)
• Honey simple syrup (from above) (Sweetener)
• Plain sparkling water (Soda)
• Crushed ice (Ice)

Garnish (Optional)

• Slice of lime
• Strawberry slice
• Basil leaf

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)

Variations

I love the classic strawberry-basil pairing, but feel free to customize this Strawberry Basil Mocktail:

• Different Berries: Muddle raspberries or blackberries instead of strawberries.
• Different Herbs: Use fresh mint instead of basil for a strawberry mint fizz.
• Add Other Fruits: Muddle in a few slices of cucumber or peach along with the strawberries.
• Make it Spicy: Muddle a thin slice or two of jalapeño along with the strawberries and basil.
• Different Sweetener: Use agave nectar or make a standard simple syrup with granulated sugar instead of honey syrup.
• Add Vinegar (Shrub Style): Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar along with the lime juice for a tangy shrub-like twist.

How to Make a Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz Mocktail

Making this refreshing Strawberry Basil Mocktail is quick and easy:

Make the Honey Simple Syrup

1. First, I prepare the simple honey syrup so it has time to cool. In a small saucepan, I combine the honey and the water.
2. I bring the mixture just to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the honey completely dissolves into the water.
3. Once it boils and the honey is dissolved, I remove it from the heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. (Leftover honey syrup can be stored in the fridge!)

Muddle Fruit and Herbs

1. In the bottom of a sturdy serving glass, I add the sliced or roughly chopped strawberries and the torn fresh basil leaves.
2. Using a muddler (or the clean end of a wooden spoon), I gently press and twist the strawberries and basil together. I want to release their juices and fragrant oils, but not pulverize them into a paste. It should be juicy and aromatic.

Build the Mocktail

1. I add crushed ice to the glass over the muddled strawberries and basil.
2. Next, I pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice and the cooled honey simple syrup (starting with 1 ounce and adjusting to taste).
3. I top the glass off with plain sparkling water.
4. I give the drink a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients.

Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish if desired
2. Serve immediately!

Tips and Tricks for the BEST Mocktail

Here are my secrets for making this Strawberry Basil Mocktail truly exceptional:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and fresh lime juice make all the difference in flavor.
• Muddle Gently: Press and twist just enough to release the juices and oils without shredding the basil leaves too much (which can make them bitter).
• Cool the Syrup: Ensure the honey simple syrup is completely cool before adding it to the drink, especially since you're adding ice and sparkling water.
• Adjust Sweetness: Start with the recommended amount of honey syrup and add more only if needed, depending on the sweetness of your strawberries and your preference.
• Serve Immediately: The fizz from the sparkling water is best enjoyed right after pouring.

How to Serve

This Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz Mocktail is best served immediately while cold and bubbly! Enjoy it:

• Chilled: In a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
• Garnished: With a fresh slice of lime or strawberry and a pretty basil leaf.
• For Parties: Easily multiply the syrup recipe and set up a "muddle and build" station for guests, or pre-muddle batches and build drinks to order.
• Spring/Summer Sipping: The perfect refreshing non-alcoholic drink for patio season, baby showers, brunches, or BBQs.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Honey Simple Syrup: Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Assembled Mocktail: This drink is best made fresh just before serving to maintain the carbonation and freshness of the muddled ingredients.

FAQs about Strawberry Basil Mocktail

• Can I use frozen strawberries?
  • Yes, thaw frozen strawberries slightly before muddling. They might release more liquid than fresh berries.
• Can I make this with sugar instead of honey?
  • Absolutely! Make a standard simple syrup by dissolving ½ cup granulated sugar in ½ cup water over medium heat, then let it cool completely before using 1 ounce per drink.
• Can I add alcohol to this?
  • Definitely! Add 1.5 - 2 ounces of gin, vodka, or white rum along with the lime juice and honey syrup before topping with sparkling water for an easy cocktail version of this Strawberry Basil Mocktail.

Enjoy this incredibly refreshing, flavorful, and easy Strawberry Honey Basil Fizz Mocktail! It's a perfect taste of spring and summer in a glass.

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