Description
Cool off with this crisp and invigorating Cucumber Basil Mocktail, a perfect summer refresher that’s bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cucumber Basil Base:
- 4 cups chopped cucumber (about 2 large cucumbers)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
Simple Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
Mocktail:
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from about 4–6 limes)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (see instructions below, or use store-bought)
- 4 cups sparkling water or club soda, chilled
- Ice cubes
- Cucumber slices and basil sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine sugar and water in a saucepan: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water.
- Heat and stir until dissolved: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Cool completely: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool completely. You can speed up the cooling process by transferring it to a heat-safe container and placing it in the refrigerator. Simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Combine cucumber and basil in a blender: In a high-powered blender, combine the chopped cucumber and fresh basil leaves.
- Blend until smooth: Blend the cucumber and basil until completely smooth. You may need to stop the blender occasionally to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be a vibrant green color.
- Strain the mixture: Place a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth-lined strainer over a bowl. Pour the cucumber-basil mixture into the sieve and let it strain for about 15-20 minutes. This will remove any pulp and create a smoother base for your mocktail. You can gently press on the solids with a spoon to extract more juice, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can make the juice cloudy.
- Discard the pulp: Discard the solids left in the sieve. You should have a clear, green cucumber-basil juice.
- Combine cucumber-basil juice, lime juice, and simple syrup: In a pitcher, combine the strained cucumber-basil juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed. If you prefer a sweeter mocktail, add more simple syrup. If you prefer a tarter mocktail, add more lime juice.
- Add sparkling water or club soda: Slowly pour in the chilled sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to over-stir, as this can cause the mocktail to lose its fizz.
- Add ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes.
- Pour and garnish: Pour the cucumber basil mocktail into the ice-filled glasses. Garnish with cucumber slices and basil sprigs, if desired.
- Serve immediately: Serve the mocktail immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the mocktail by varying the amount of simple syrup and lime juice to suit your taste preferences.
- For a more intense basil flavor, you can muddle a few basil leaves in the glass before adding the mocktail.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending, Mixing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cucumber Basil Mocktail, Mocktail Recipe, Summer Drink, Refreshing Beverage
