Strawberry Basil Sparkler

Your summer date nights should not be without this Strawberry Basil Sparkler – so refreshingly good.

Join me in celebrating Juneteenth with more than 30 other Black culinary creators. Juneteenth marks our country’s second independence day, signifying the final emancipation of those enslaved in the US, announced in 1865. This year, we celebrate “Freedom Day” by offering a delightful selection of mains, sides, desserts, and refreshing drinks perfect for backyard barbecues and summer gatherings with friends and family. 

Join us in honoring the legacy of progress and freedom by cooking and sharing these recipes. You can also easily follow each participant by using the hashtag #JuneteenthCookout2023 on Instagram.

There are many ways to celebrate Juneteenth. One of my favorites I discovered is the Miss Juneteenth pageant. This annual beauty pageant is held in many African American communities to commemorate the holiday. The pageant showcases African American women’s beauty, intelligence, and societal contributions. Dishes such as Bourbon Glazed Candied Bacon, Strawberry Oreo Crunch Pound Cake, and Rainbow Fruit Salad with Agave-Lime Syrup lean into the sweetness of the holiday.  

With sweet strawberries in season and bursting in this strawberry sparkler, I leaned into the sweetness of this holiday. Check out all the recipes from the 2023 Juneteenth Virtual Cookout on the Eat the Culture website.

Sweet Miss Juneteenth Recipes: 

Her Mise En Place – Bourbon Glazed Candied Bacon

Kenneth Temple – Hot Honey Wings

My Sweet Precision – Strawberry Oreo Crunch Pound Cake

Begin with Butter – Red Velvet Cupcakes

My Sweet Precision – Raspberry Chocolate Crumble Bars

Seasoned To Taste – Watermelon Cherry Frosé

Coined Cuisine – Rainbow Fruit Salad + Agave-Lime Syrup

Strawberry Basil Sparkler 

Are you searching for a refreshing and delicious summer drink to impress your guests at your next party? Look no further than the Strawberry Basil Sparkler! This delightful beverage is bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and infused with the herbaceous notes of fresh basil. Not only is it a tasty and beautiful addition to any gathering, but it’s also a breeze to make.

Throughout this summer, I’m featuring some of my favorite cocktail recipes and sharing fun ways you can incorporate them into your everyday summer celebrations. Remember this Raspberry Rosewater Cocktail for Girl’s Night In? Still in love with that flavor combination.

The Strawberry Basil Sparkler is the perfect drink whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a barbecue with friends. It will help you beat the heat and relax in style. You are going to want to savor every sip all summer long! 

If you aren’t a vodka fan, you could substitute it with rum, gin, tequila, or cachaca. Or you can leave out the alcohol. 

Strawberry Basil Sparkler Ingredients 

SIMPLE STRAWBERRY SYRUP:

• strawberries 
• granulated sugar 

FOR SPARKLER:

• Pinnacle Whipped Vodka , optional (or your favorite Vodka)
• strawberry syrup 
•  Sparkling water or club soda 
•  lemon 
•  2-3 basil leaves, chopped or torn 
•  Sliced strawberries for garnish

How to Make Strawberry Basil Sparkler

To make the simple syrup: 

In a glass cup, muddle the strawberries and granulated sugar until the strawberries break down and the juices run. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve and collect juices. Alternatively, cook down the collected juices over low heat until thickened. Let cool before using. 

In a tall glass, combine lemon juice and basil leaves.

Muddle together. Stir in strawberry syrup and vodka.

Add crushed or cracked ice cubes to a glass and fill with sparkling water. Garnish with strawberries and a basil leaf.

How to Serve Strawberry Basil Sparkler 

Pour the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Finally, top the glass with sparkling water and garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil leaf.

Add a splash of vodka or gin for an adult version to add some creativity to your Strawberry Basil Sparkler. You could also experiment with other fruit and herb combinations, such as blueberry and mint or raspberry and thyme. You could also serve this drink in a pitcher or a punch bowl for a larger group and add some sliced strawberries and basil leaves as a colorful and flavorful garnish. It is perfect to serve on any soiree!

 

More Iced Tea and Lemonade Recipes 

Strawberry Cucumber Lemonade 

Strawberry Peach Tea 

Strawberry Iced Tea Lemonade 

Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade 

7UP Cherry Almond Sparkler

Which iced tea or lemonade mocktail, or cocktail will you try next? Let me know in the comment section below.

Don’t forget to include the #aclassictwist tag when sharing on social media, so I can see what you serve with your delicious Strawberry Basil Sparkler.