Description
A refreshing, elegant summer drink featuring a homemade blackberry basil syrup, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water. It is easy to make, visually stunning, and adaptable for both non-alcoholic gatherings and cocktails.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (300g)
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves (about 20–25 leaves)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
- 1 cup water (240ml)
- 6–8 medium lemons (for fresh juice)
- 2–3 cups ice water (480-720ml)
- 2–3 bottles sparkling water or club soda (750ml each)
- Extra blackberries and basil sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and water. Stir until sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until berries break down and liquid turns purple.
- Add basil leaves on top and simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
- Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl, pressing on berries to extract juice. Discard seeds and basil. You should have 1-1.5 cups of syrup.
- Roll lemons on the counter to soften, then cut and juice them to yield 1-1.5 cups of fresh lemon juice.
- In a large pitcher, combine the blackberry basil syrup and fresh lemon juice. Stir well.
- Add ice water, starting with 2 cups. Taste and adjust with more water or lemon juice as needed.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice. Muddle a few blackberries at the bottom. Pour in some of the lemonade base and top with sparkling water.
- Garnish with a basil sprig and a blackberry. Serve immediately.
Notes
Cool the syrup completely before mixing to prevent wilting the basil. Slap basil sprigs before garnishing to release oils. Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz. The syrup can be made up to 5 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 1
Keywords: summer drinks, blackberry lemonade, basil lemonade, sparkling lemonade, easy cocktail, non-alcoholic drink, party drinks, refreshing beverages