Looking for a refreshing drink that still has a touch of sophistication? This lemon basil mocktail is perfect for you.

Made with fresh lemons, basil and seltzer water, this is easy to make, and the bright flavors are perfect for summer.

Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra basil from your garden. Give it a try today and then check out all the other delicious Fresh Non-Alcoholic Drinks available for you here!

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Summer means cookouts, pool parties, and drinks on the patio. If you're looking for something refreshing and light, but don't want to drink alcohol, a simple mocktail is the perfect drink for you!

Stop by your local grocery store or farmers market and pick up some fresh basil leaves to complete this tasty drink! If you want to try growing your own basil, read my post on Tips for Growing Basil in your Garden.

Looking for more Mocktail Summer Recipes? Try my Lemon Flavored Water, Basil Sparkling Water, Lemon Basil Mint Spritzer or my collection of Basil Mocktails.

Table of Contents

Making Simple Syrup
Quick Tip
How to make Flavored Water
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Main Ingredients Needed
Recipe Variations
Step-by-Step Instructions
Top Tip
Before You Begin!
Storage Tips
📖 Recipe Card
💬 Comments

Making Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is basically sugar dissolved in water. It's used to sweeten drinks like tea, coffee, cocktails and desserts. I bought premade simple syrup for this recipe, but it's incredibly easy to make your own!

You can also use simple syrup in frostings, glazes, dessert fillings, and even to preserve fruit. It's a handy ingredient to have around for a touch of sweetness.

You can even flavor it with ingredients like vanilla, lemon, or mint.

Quick Tip

For step-by-step instructions on making simple syrup, check out my Basil Sparkling Water Recipe!

How to make Flavored Water

Ditch sugary drinks and make your own flavorful water at home for healthy hydration! The possibilities are endless – simply add your favorite fruits, vegetables, and herbs to a pitcher of water and let it chill overnight in the fridge.

Need a quicker option? Add the fresh ingredients to your glass or bottle and let them infuse for at least 30 minutes. If the flavor is too weak, simply add more of your chosen ingredients.

Helpful Kitchen Tools

Mason Jar Beverage GlassesMore Information Skinny Clear Glass StrawsMore Information Stainless Steel Cocktail MuddlerMore Information Ice Cube Trays 4 Pack, Easy-ReleaseMore Information

Main Ingredients Needed

Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!

seltzer water, simple syrup, basil, lemons ingredients.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ideas on how you could make this recipe your own and change a few ingredients to suit what you and your family like best:

You can add different fruit like strawberries, cherries, blueberries or pineapple.
Try different herbs like fresh rosemary, mint or thyme.
And if you wanted to try this recipe with alcohol, try vodka. Make sure you label the beverage that there's alcohol, so little ones don't get into any alcoholic beverages when serving.

This drink can be customized to your liking. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar or maybe a little honey. Prefer it tart? Use more lemons or maybe a few slices of lime.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, add 1 lemon slice, a basil leaf and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup.

fresh basil, lemon with muddler for mocktail.

Step 2: Using the muddle or the back of a spoon, crush everything together to release the scent of the basil.

Top Tip

If you don't have a muddler, make sure you tear or cut the basil leaves. You can also use the back of a spoon. It helps to release the flavor of the basil into the simple syrup.

Step 3: Pour in the seltzer water. Shake the container well.

Step 4: Add ice to a tall glass. Pour the mocktail over the ice. Garnish with more lemon slices and a few basil leaves.

Before You Begin!

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Storage Tips

Store the lemon basil mocktail in the refrigerator. But keep in mind, that when you add citrus fruits to any mocktail or infused water recipe, you should drink it the day you make it. The rind from any citrus can make the water bitter.

A fun way to store leftover beverages is to freeze any leftovers in ice cube trays! Pop them out and store in a plastic bag to use the next time you prepare a fun drink.

📖 Recipe Card

Lois