There’s only one way I’m going to survive working long days through this current London heatwave, and that is ice-cold refreshing drinks like this strawberry limeade (or lemonade) drink with a herby twist. Combining fresh strawberries with basil, lime, honey, and soda water makes for a sweet and tart strawberry drink perfect for warm days! In fact, this summer I’ve been on a mission to share all my favorite Summer-time beverages while also celebrating the deliciousness of in-season berries. Alongside this mocktail, you may have also seen my Blackberry Earl Grey Iced Tea and Raspberry Lemonade. For more of my summer drinks series, check out the list of related recipes at the bottom of the post. And, if you want a simple way to add strawberry to flavor to milkshakes soda, mocktails, and cocktails then you might like this Simple Strawberry Syrup (All-Natural). For now, let’s look at the ingredients. step by step instructions, and top tips and recipe variations for this particular strawberry drink. In fact, this recipe can be simply tweaked to be a limeade, lemonade, slushy, boozy slushy, mocktail, and cocktail! Perfect for when you’re entertaining big crowds and need something that will work for all.
The Ingredients
This strawberry soda mocktail not only omits a simple syrup in place of a natural refined sugar-free sweetener, but it is also made up of just five ingredients!
Strawberries – Ripe and juicy in-season strawberries are best. However, you can also use frozen strawberries that have been thawed.Fresh lime – Freshly squeezed lime juice is far superior to a bottled variety. You can also use lemon juice for a classic homemade ‘strawberry lemonade’ recipeSweetener – I use honey. Use maple for a vegan version or alternatively a sweetener such as erythritol. Make sure to adapt the amount used depending on what you choose.Soda Water (sparkling water/club soda)- If you prefer, you could also try this drink with still water or even add a little extra fruit juice (such as cranberry juice) to the drink too. Basil – I love the herby twist of this strawberry lemonade drink. Other options include mint, rosemary, lemon verbena, and even ginger.
Tip: If you want a boozy vodka strawberry lemonade then simply swap some of the soda for vodka.
The Step By Step instructions
This strawberry mocktail couldn’t be any simpler and is made up of two super-simple steps: Step 1: Combine the strawberries, lime juice, basil, and sweetener into a bowl/jug and muddle well (or use a blender to puree). Step 2: Optionally, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer. Alternatively, simply add large ice cubes to the glass/es and top up with soda water. Stir Well Optionally garnish with additional lemon/lime slices or even cucumber.
How To Store
Leftovers will store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when covered (if un-strained – or alternatively 4-5 days if strained). Just give it a quick stir before using and away you go.
Recipe Notes
If you decide to make a large pitcher, then serve the ice in the individual glasses and not the pitcher, so you don’t dilute the jugful. Alternatively, make lemon/lime juice ice cubes to add to the drink along with normal ice cubes.For a simple boozy ‘slushie’, use frozen strawberries and then add all the ingredients to a blender minus the soda. Add a shot of alcohol and blend, then top up with some soda and stir. To make a strawberry mojito mocktail – Use mint leaves instead of basil and serve with soda water or store-bought lemonade. For a super simple hack to get the most juice out of your limes. Microwave them for around 20 seconds, roll on the counter, then squeeze as usual.
Related Drink Recipes
The Best Homemade LemonadeSimple Colour-changing Magic Lemonade (with sugar syrup)Watermelon Keg/ DispenserSimple And Healthy Ginger LemonadeRaspberry Lemonade Blackberry Earl Grey Iced TeaStrawberries and Cream Frappuccino Iced Matcha Green Tea LatteMocha FrappuccinoGolden Frappuccino (turmeric)Iced LatteLebanese Mint Lemonade (Limonana Mint)Fresh Strawberry Kiwi JuicePeach Iced TeaFresh Pineapple Orange JuiceOr check out my complete list of 40+ Delicious Summer Drink Recipes!
If you give this strawberry mocktail a try, then let me know your thoughts and any questions in the comments. Also, feel free to tag me in your recreations @AlphaFoodie.
