Sweet strawberries and basil muddled with lemon, topped with sparkling water for a bright, refreshing summer drink.
# Components:
→ Fruit & Herbs
01 - 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
02 - 8 fresh basil leaves
03 - 2 lemon wedges (optional, for garnish)
→ Sweetener
04 - 1–2 tbsp simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
→ Liquids
05 - 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
06 - 1½ cups (360 ml) chilled sparkling water
07 - Ice cubes
# Directions:
01 - In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and basil leaves together until the berries are juicy and the basil is fragrant.
02 - Add the simple syrup (or agave) and lemon juice. Mix well.
03 - Fill two glasses with ice cubes.
04 - Divide the strawberry-basil mixture evenly between the glasses.
05 - Top each glass with chilled sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
06 - Garnish with lemon wedges and extra basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately.