Zesty Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe: Sunshine in a Glass

Sipping on a refreshing summer mocktail with citrus basil smash can turn an ordinary afternoon into a vibrant celebration.

Cool breezes and sunshine call for this zesty drink that dances with bright flavors.

Fresh basil leaves add a gorgeous herbal punch to the citrusy blend.

The combination creates a sparkling non-alcoholic beverage that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Crisp and tangy notes weave through each sip, making this mocktail a perfect companion for lazy afternoons or lively gatherings.

Serving this drink will definitely impress your guests and elevate any casual moment into something special.

Blend, pour, and enjoy this liquid sunshine that promises pure refreshment.

Why Citrus Basil Smash is Refreshing

• Whip Up Quick Refreshment: This mocktail comes together in mere minutes, perfect for spontaneous drink cravings or unexpected guests.
• Boost Healthy Hydration: Packed with vitamin-rich mandarin juice, fresh basil, and sparkling water, it offers a nutritious alternative to sugary beverages.
• Create Versatile Party Pleaser: Easily scaled for gatherings, this mocktail works wonderfully for brunches, afternoon tea, or summer get-togethers with its vibrant, zesty flavor profile.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust sweetness levels to match personal preferences, making it adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Citrus Basil Smash Ingredient Guide

• Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural zero-calorie sweetener that adds sweetness without extra sugar.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh herb that provides a bright, aromatic flavor to the mocktail.
• Mandarin Juice: Fresh citrus juice that brings a sweet and tangy brightness to the drink.
• Lime Juice: Adds a zesty and tart dimension to balance the sweetness.

• Hot Water: Helps dissolve the monk fruit sweetener smoothly.
• Citrus Sparkling Water: Provides effervescence and additional citrus notes to the mocktail.

• Basil Leaf, Mandarin Slice: Fresh herbs and fruit slice that enhance the visual appeal and add a final aromatic touch to the drink.

Ice: Chills the mocktail and helps blend the flavors together.

Citrus Basil Smash Simple Instructions

Step 1: Create Sweet Basil Base

In a cocktail glass, combine monk fruit sweetener with hot water.

Stir until the sweetener completely dissolves.

Add fresh basil leaves and gently press them with a muddler to release their aromatic oils and flavors.

Step 2: Pour Citrus Juices and Chill

• Mandarin juice
• Lime juice
• Ice cubes

Step 3: Sparkle and Mix

Pour citrus sparkling water over the mixture.

Use a long spoon to stir all ingredients together, ensuring they’re well combined and chilled.

Step 4: Decorate and Serve

• Fresh basil sprig
• Mandarin slice

Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing, zesty mocktail with vibrant herbal notes.

Citrus Basil Smash Mixing Tips

• Use monk fruit sweetener for a low-calorie, natural alternative to sugar that keeps the drink refreshing and light.
• Gently press basil leaves to release essential oils without bruising, ensuring a delicate herb flavor throughout the mocktail.
• Add plenty of ice to keep the drink cold and dilute the flavors slightly, creating a balanced and smooth taste.
• Experiment with fresh basil sprigs or mandarin slices to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra burst of citrus aroma.
• Taste and modify the lime and mandarin juice ratio to suit your preference for tartness or sweetness.

Citrus Basil Smash Twist Ideas

• Herbal Mint Cooler: Replace basil with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing alternative that brings a cool, crisp flavor profile to the mocktail.
• Ginger Citrus Zing: Swap sparkling water with ginger beer and add a small piece of fresh ginger while muddling to create a spicier, more intense drink.
• Low-Carb Cucumber Splash: Substitute mandarin juice with cucumber juice and use stevia instead of monk fruit sweetener for a lighter, more hydrating version suitable for keto diets.
• Tropical Pineapple Punch: Replace mandarin juice with fresh pineapple juice and add a splash of coconut water for a tropical-inspired mocktail that transports you to a beachside paradise.

Citrus Basil Smash Serving Style

• Zesty Summer Cooler: Serve this refreshing mocktail in a tall glass with a curved rim to showcase its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients.
• Herbal Garnish Paradise: Create an elegant presentation by adding a few fresh basil leaves and a delicate mandarin slice on the glass rim for a restaurant-quality touch.
• Chill Factor Upgrade: Freeze extra mandarin slices or basil leaves in ice cubes to add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal when serving at summer gatherings or brunches.
• Texture Twist Delight: Rim the glass with a light dusting of monk fruit sweetener and crushed dried basil for a surprising sensory experience that complements the drink's bright flavors.

Citrus Basil Smash Storage Guide

• Store the mocktail in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain their freshness.
• Chop fresh basil leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with a bit of water. These can be added to future mocktails for instant flavor.
• Store fresh mandarin juice and lime juice in sealed containers in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep sparkling water and monk fruit sweetener in their original containers.
• If the mocktail loses its fizz, quickly remake by mixing the stored juices with fresh sparkling water and adding ice.

FAQs

• What are the health benefits of this mocktail?

Monk fruit sweetener offers zero calories and may help manage blood sugar. Basil provides anti-inflammatory properties and supports digestive health. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C and boost immune system.

• Can I use a different sweetener instead of monk fruit?

Yes, you can substitute with stevia, agave nectar, or honey. Each will slightly change the flavor profile, so experiment to find your preferred taste.

• Is this mocktail suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! It’s gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and low in calories. Those watching sugar intake can enjoy it without guilt.

• How can I make this drink more refreshing?

Add extra ice or chill your sparkling water beforehand. Using fresh, cold ingredients will enhance the drink’s crisp and cooling sensation.

Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 1x

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Description

Zesty citrus basil smash mocktail combines refreshing Mediterranean flavors in a glass of pure summer delight. Light herbal notes dance with tangy citrus, creating a sophisticated non-alcoholic drink perfect for warm afternoons and social gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 basil leaves (plus more for garnish)
• 1 mandarin (juiced)
• 1/2 lime (juiced)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 tablespoon (1/2 tbsp) monk fruit sweetener
• 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) hot water

Finishing Ingredients:

• Citrus sparkling water
• Garnish: mandarin slice

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Instructions

1. Dissolve monk fruit sweetener in hot water within a cocktail glass, creating a clear sweet base.
2. Gently crush fresh basil leaves against the glass wall to release their aromatic oils and herbaceous essence.
3. Pour mandarin and lime juices into the glass, allowing the citrus flavors to mingle with the muddled basil.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes to chill and dilute the mixture slightly.
5. Pour citrus sparkling water over the top, creating a vibrant, effervescent layer.
6. Stir gently to blend all ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
7. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with a fresh basil sprig and a delicate mandarin slice on the rim.

Notes

• Swap monk fruit sweetener with honey or agave for a more natural sweetness profile that complements the citrus and basil flavors.
• Bruise basil leaves gently to release essential oils without turning them bitter, which intensifies the herb’s aromatic qualities in the mocktail.
• Use fresh, seasonal citrus fruits for maximum juice flavor and brightness, ensuring the mocktail tastes vibrant and refreshing.
• Try different sparkling water brands to find the perfect fizz and citrus balance that elevates the overall drinking experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Mocktails
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 5 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 0 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 0.2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg