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Cool off with a refreshing Sparkling Basil Lemonade Cocktail made with fresh basil, lemon juice, premium vodka and a splash of sparkling water. This crisp, bubbly drink is ideal to sip on during hot summer days and so easy to mix up. Made with just a few ingredients often found in one’s kitchen, the results are simple, yet stunning!
Basil lemonade was the signature cocktail at our wedding and ever since then I have been obsessed with trying to recreate it! In doing so, I think I have discovered an even better version – it’s low sugar and all natural – no lemonade mix required.
The key to this flavorful drink is to muddle the fresh basil leaves with lemon juice and a little simple syrup, then shake with vodka to combine. Next, simply pour it all in a glass filled to the brim with ice and top with your favorite sparkling water for a crisp and refreshing beverage. I also like to add a mixture of lemon zest and sugar to the rim of the glass just to give it a little pizzaz. I have found it makes for a gorgeous garnish and adds a little extra sweetness to the drink!
We have a basil plant growing on our patio so I could really make an endless supply of these all summer long! In my experience, this apéritif makes the perfect precursor to a fresh caprese salad or steaming bowl of pasta. You’re going to want to have more than one.
Everything You’ll Need to Make a Basil Lemonade Cocktail
Here’s the few simple ingredients you’ll need to make this refreshing cocktail.
- Lemon: A ripe and juicy lemon is crucial for this lemonade cocktail. I prefer to use a fresh lemon to pre-squeezed lemon juice from the grocery store or lemonade mix.
- Basil: Fresh basil leaves give this beverage its signature flavor. I prefer my cocktail to feature more basil, but you can pull back and adjust the amount if you prefer just a hint of basil flavor –
or just skip it completely.
- Simple Syrup: Simple syrup is needed to quite literally turn the lemon juice into lemonade. I usually just use store bought, but you can also make your own or just use regular granulated sugar.
- Vodka: Any 80-proof vodka will work for this; I personally love Tito’s or Kirkland vodka!
- Sparkling Water: I always use San Pellegrino or Perrier sparkling water to top off the drink, but club soda would also work.
- Sugar & Lemon Zest: The final touch that really takes this cocktail to the next level is to add a delicious mixture of lemon zest and sugar to the rim of the glass!
How to Make a Basil Lemonade Cocktail
- Make Lemon Zest & Sugar Mixture: Start by mixing lemon zest and sugar together in a small bowl. Once it is evenly mixed, spread the mixture on a plate so you can add it to the rim of your glass.
- Prep your glass: Run a lemon wedge around the rim of the glass, then rub the edge of the glass in your plate of lemon zest and sugar mixture and fill your glass with ice.
- Muddle: Add the basil, lemon juice and simple syrup to your cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Add Vodka: Add the vodka and ice, cover and shake.
- Top Off, Garnish & Serve: Strain the mixture into your prepared glass, then fill the rest of the glass to the top with sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and serve!
Serving A Crowd
You could easily double, triple or quadruple this recipe to serve your friends! Alternatively, you could prep this cocktail by muddling the lemon, basil and simple syrup in a pitcher, then mixing in your vodka and storing it in the fridge. When your guests arrive, simply add ice and stir in sparkling water so it’s fresh and bubbly, then serve in prepped glasses!
Cocktail Tools
To make this cocktail, you’ll need some bar tools like these, as well as a cocktail shaker, citrus juicer and muddler! Check out my full collection of recommended bar tools and glasses.
This fruity concoction with a little sugar rim is the perfect beverage for spring and summer. I really hope you enjoy this drink as much as I do! If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment or give it a rating. If you’re looking for more refreshing cocktail ideas, check out my Blueberry Lemon Smash Cocktail or Cucumber Mint Margarita!
Sparkling Basil Lemonade Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 4-5 basil leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz vodka
- 2 oz sparkling water
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- basil leaves for garnish
- ice
Instructions
- Mix lemon zest and sugar together in a small bowl, then spread evenly on a small plate.
- To prepare glass, run lemon wedge around the rim of glass, rub glass in sugar and lemon zest mixture, and add ice to glass.
- Add lemon juice, basil and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add vodka and ice, cover and shake.
- Strain mixture into glass, top with sparkling water and garnish with extra basil leaves.
- Mix with a cocktail spoon and serve!
