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Fresh and fizzy summer drink in a glass with ice and fruit garnish

Fresh & Fizzy Summer Drink

A light and bubbly mocktail bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Beverage, Mocktail
Cuisine: American, Summer
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the cut strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer the strawberry mixture gently for 15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Add flavor addition if desired.
  4. Cool the mixture at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Pour through a mesh strainer into a glass jar, straining out the solids.
Building the Drink
  1. Pour 1 cup of sparkling water into a glass with ice, add 2 tablespoons of strawberry syrup, and stir. Adjust sweetness as needed.
  2. 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.