Lemon Basil Spritzer Mocktail : A Fresh, Herbaceous Sip

I’ve got to tell you about this incredible lemon basil spritzer mocktail that’s been my go-to drink all summer long!

There’s something magical that happens when you muddle fresh basil with bright lemon juice and a drizzle of honey. The aroma alone will transport you straight to a sunny garden party.

The best part? It takes literally five minutes to make.

You probably already have most of the ingredients sitting in your kitchen right now.

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Quick 5-Minute Garden Mocktail

This lemon basil spritzer is like having a spa day in a glass! The bright citrus from fresh lemon juice dances with aromatic basil leaves, while honey adds just the right touch of sweetness and non-alcoholic gin brings that botanical complexity we’re all craving.

It’s crisp, refreshing and tastes like summer decided to throw a garden party in your mouth… and everyone’s invited!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz non-alcoholic gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3-4 oz soda water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh basil sprig for garnish
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the basil leaves to your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their oils, but don’t go crazy – we want bruised, not destroyed!
2. Pour in the honey and let it coat those beautiful basil leaves for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice and non-alcoholic gin to the shaker, then fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and the honey is completely dissolved.
5. Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice to catch any basil bits.
6. Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir to combine all those amazing flavors.
7. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and lemon wheel because we eat with our eyes first, right?

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 193
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g

Refreshing Herb-Infused Summer Drink

Picture this: you’re sitting on your porch on a sweltering summer afternoon, desperately craving something that’ll make you feel like you’ve got your life together. Enter the Lemon Basil Spritzer Mocktail, which is basically summer in a glass with a fancy twist! This gorgeous drink combines the bright zing of fresh lemon juice with aromatic basil leaves that get properly muddled to release all their garden-fresh goodness.

The soda water adds that perfect fizzy kick while a drizzle of honey smooths everything out, and here’s where it gets interesting… non-alcoholic gin brings some serious herbal complexity that makes you wonder why regular sodas even exist.

Now, this isn’t some ancient cocktail your great-grandmother was sipping during prohibition, it’s more of a modern creation born from our collective desire to drink something sophisticated without the hangover. The combination works so beautifully because each ingredient plays its part perfectly, the lemon provides that essential brightness that wakes up your taste buds, while the basil adds an unexpected herbal note that’s both refreshing and slightly mysterious.

The honey doesn’t just sweeten things up, it actually helps marry all the flavors together so nothing tastes too sharp or overwhelming.

What makes this drink absolutely brilliant is how the non-alcoholic gin elevates everything from “nice homemade lemonade” to “wow, did you hire a bartender?” The botanicals in the gin-alternative complement the basil beautifully, creating layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more sips.

It’s crisp enough to cool you down on the hottest days, sophisticated enough to serve at your next dinner party, and easy enough to make that you won’t stress about it. Plus, let’s be honest, muddling basil makes you feel like a total mixology pro even if you usually struggle to open a can of soda without it exploding everywhere!

Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home

Getting this refreshing mocktail just right is all about balancing fresh ingredients with the right technique.

• Muddle gently: Don’t go crazy with the muddler and bruise the basil leaves too harshly or you’ll get bitter flavors instead of that lovely herbal essence you’re after.
• Use fresh lemon juice only: Bottled lemon juice will make your spritzer taste flat and artificial so squeeze those lemons yourself for the brightest flavor.
• Warm the honey slightly: Cold honey doesn’t mix well and will sink to the bottom so warm it just enough to make it pourable and easier to incorporate.
• Chill everything first: Your soda water, glasses and even the non-alcoholic gin should be cold before you start mixing to keep the drink crisp and prevent flat bubbles.
• Add soda water last: Pour it gently down the side of the glass after shaking the other ingredients to preserve maximum fizz and carbonation.
• Don’t over-shake: A quick 10-second shake is plenty since you want to combine flavors without bruising the basil further or making the drink too foamy.
• Strain properly: Use a fine mesh strainer to catch basil bits and pulp so your final drink is smooth and professional looking.

Food Pairing Ideas

This bright, herbaceous spritzer pairs beautifully with foods that either complement its fresh garden vibes or provide a rich contrast to its crisp acidity.

Think Mediterranean flavors, creamy textures and anything that makes you feel like you’re dining al fresco.

• Goat Cheese Crostini: The tangy creaminess plays perfectly against the lemon’s brightness while the herbs in both the cheese and drink create this amazing flavor echo that just works.
• Grilled Halloumi Skewers: That squeaky, salty cheese gets mellowed by the spritzer’s refreshing qualities, and the basil ties everything together like you planned it all along.
• Lemon Herb Focaccia: It’s like the bread version of your drink – all that olive oil richness gets cut by the spritzer’s effervescence in the most satisfying way.
• Burrata with Torn Basil: Because sometimes you want to double down on a good thing, and that creamy burrata against the zippy drink is pure magic.
• Cucumber Tea Sandwiches: Light, crisp and cooling – these dainty bites amplify the garden-party elegance without competing for attention.
• Lemon Shortbread Cookies: The buttery sweetness plays beautifully with the drink’s honey notes while the lemon creates this lovely flavor loop that keeps you coming back for more.
• Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon: The salty-sweet combo gets this amazing lift from the spritzer’s herbal complexity, making each sip and bite feel perfectly balanced.

Quick 5-Minute Garden Mocktail

This lemon basil spritzer is like having a spa day in a glass! The bright citrus from fresh lemon juice dances with aromatic basil leaves, while honey adds just the right touch of sweetness and non-alcoholic gin brings that botanical complexity we’re all craving.

It’s crisp, refreshing and tastes like summer decided to throw a garden party in your mouth… and everyone’s invited!

Ingredients:

• 2 oz non-alcoholic gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3-4 oz soda water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh basil sprig for garnish
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Add the basil leaves to your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their oils, but don’t go crazy – we want bruised, not destroyed!
2. Pour in the honey and let it coat those beautiful basil leaves for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice and non-alcoholic gin to the shaker, then fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and the honey is completely dissolved.
5. Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice to catch any basil bits.
6. Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir to combine all those amazing flavors.
7. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and lemon wheel because we eat with our eyes first, right?

Prep Times:

• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 5 minutes

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 1
• Calories: 193
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 27g

Variations to Try

These simple swaps can transform your Lemon Basil Spritzer into entirely new flavor experiences.

• Strawberry Basil Spritzer: Replace lemon juice with muddled fresh strawberries and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth.
• Cucumber Mint Twist: Swap basil for fresh mint leaves and add muddled cucumber for a spa-like refresher.
• Spicy Jalapeño Version: Add one thin slice of jalapeño to the muddle for a kick that pairs beautifully with the basil.
• Grapefruit Rosemary Spritzer: Substitute grapefruit juice for lemon and replace basil with fresh rosemary sprigs.
• Lavender Lemon Variation: Keep the lemon but replace basil with dried culinary lavender and use lavender honey.
• Frozen Slush Style: Blend all ingredients with ice instead of shaking for a frozen mocktail perfect for hot days.

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Yield: 1

Lemon Basil Spritzer Mocktail

Print

Crisp lemon, fragrant basil, and sparkling water come together in this lemon basil spritzer mocktail - bright, bubbly, and perfect for a refreshing reset!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 60 ml non-alcoholic gin
• 30 ml fresh lemon juice
• 4-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 90-120 ml soda water
• Ice cubes
• Fresh basil sprig for garnish
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the basil leaves to your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their oils, but don't go crazy - we want bruised, not destroyed!
2. Pour in the honey and let it coat those beautiful basil leaves for about 30 seconds.
3. Add the fresh lemon juice and non-alcoholic gin to the shaker, then fill with ice.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until the mixture is well-chilled and the honey is completely dissolved.
5. Double strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice to catch any basil bits.
6. Top with soda water and give it a gentle stir to combine all those amazing flavors.
7. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and lemon wheel because we eat with our eyes first, right?

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 193Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1429mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 20gProtein: 1g

This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.

To pin for later:

If you like this you may like to try a Cranberry Basil Sangria Mocktail as well!