Strawberry Basil Garden Spritz

This sparkling sipper is everything summer dreams are made of — jewel-red strawberries muddled with fragrant fresh basil, brightened with lemon, and topped off with fizzy water for the most refreshing glass you'll pour all season. It comes together in minutes with zero fuss, making it perfect for backyard gatherings, brunch tables, or just a Tuesday afternoon treat. Kids and adults alike go absolutely wild for this one, and the gorgeous pink color makes it feel extra special without any effort at all.

✨ An original recipe written by AI — not kitchen-tested, so trust your taste on seasoning & timing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 cups sparkling water, chilled
• ice cubes for serving
• 4 sprigs fresh basil and sliced strawberries, for garnish

Directions

1. Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar fully dissolves, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in the basil leaves, and let the syrup steep for 10 minutes, then strain out the basil and discard it.
2. Place the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth, about 30 seconds.
3. Press the strawberry puree through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher, using the back of a spoon to push through as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp.
4. Stir the basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the strawberry liquid until everything is well combined. Taste and add a little more lemon or syrup if you like.
5. Fill four glasses generously with ice. Divide the strawberry-basil mixture evenly among the glasses, filling each about halfway.
6. Top each glass with sparkling water, pouring slowly to preserve the bubbles, then give each drink one gentle stir.
7. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a few strawberry slices on the rim and serve immediately.

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