Description
A refreshing nonalcoholic mocktail combining cucumber, lime, and basil for a light, effervescent drink perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (about 1 medium cucumber; ~200 g)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes; 60 ml)
- 4–6 fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- 4 teaspoons honey or agave syrup (1 tsp per serving) — optional or to taste
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water or club soda (about 480 ml; more for topping)
- Ice cubes (as needed)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- Lime wheels or cucumber ribbons, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber: reserve a few thin slices or ribbons for garnish. Roughly chop the remaining cucumber.
- Muddle base flavors: in a pitcher, add chopped cucumber, fresh lime juice, basil leaves, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, press and twist gently to release juices and aromas — 10–15 gentle presses.
- Strain (optional): for a clearer spritzer, strain the muddled mix through a fine mesh sieve into the pitcher. For a more rustic drink, leave the pulp in.
- Add sparkling water: pour chilled sparkling water into the pitcher and stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime as needed.
- Serve: fill glasses with ice, pour the spritzer over ice, and garnish with cucumber ribbons and a basil leaf. Serve immediately.
Notes
Optional substitutions include using mint instead of basil, or blending cucumber with a splash of water for a smoother drink. Best served fresh but can be prepared in advance by storing the cucumber-lime base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 7.5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10.8g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg