Fresh & Fizzy Summer Drink
A light and bubbly mocktail bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Syrup base
- 0.5 lb fresh ripe strawberries (hulled and diced) Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor.
- 0.5 cup cane sugar (or granulated white sugar)
- 0.5 cup water
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 tsp vanilla extract (optional) or use 1 tsp of rose water.
To build each drink
- 1 cup sparkling water (or seltzer) per serving
- Ice Use to build the drink.
Garnish
- to taste fresh strawberry slices For garnish.
- to taste lemon wheel For garnish.
- to taste mint sprig For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the cut strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the strawberry mixture gently for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add flavor addition if desired.
- Cool the mixture at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
- Pour through a mesh strainer into a glass jar, straining out the solids.
Building the Drink
- Pour 1 cup of sparkling water into a glass with ice, add 2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup, and stir. Adjust sweetness as needed.
- Serve chilled with strawberry slices and mint sprig.
Notes
Drink pairs beautifully with light summer plates like an easy classic pasta salad. For an adult version, add 1–1½ oz vodka, gin, or prosecco per glass.