Blood Orange Basil Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Looking for a drink that’s refreshing, bright, and honestly easy to throw together? You might want to try this Blood Orange Basil Sparkler. It’s a simple mocktail that blends sweet citrus with fresh herbs and a bubbly finish. You don’t need fancy tools or weird ingredients to make it work.

I usually make this when I’m craving something special but don’t want alcohol. The bold color from blood oranges really pops, and the basil brings a fresh twist that keeps the sweetness in check.

It’s light, crisp, and honestly, just a fun drink for whenever you want a flavorful sip.

Blood Orange Basil Sparkler Mocktail Recipe

Whenever I want something refreshing and colorful—but not complicated—I go for this recipe. Mixing blood orange juice, fresh basil, and sparkling water gives the drink a bright, special flavor.

Equipment

You don’t need much here, but the right tools make things easier. I grab my citrus juicer because it helps me get every last drop from the blood oranges without making a mess.

• Citrus juicer (manual or electric)
• Small muddler or even the back of a spoon
• Fine mesh strainer (if you want pulp-free juice)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing glass or shaker
• Tall serving glasses
• Long spoon or stirrer
• Ice cube tray or bag of ice

A muddler really helps with gently pressing the basil leaves. That step releases the oils and gives the drink its fresh, herbal kick.

Ingredients

I try to stick with fresh, simple ingredients to keep the flavors clean. Blood oranges add that deep color and tangy sweetness, and basil brings a light herbal note that balances everything out.

• 1 cup fresh blood orange juice (about 3–4 oranges)
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves
• 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 cup chilled sparkling water or club soda
• Ice cubes
• Extra basil leaves and blood orange slices for garnish

Sometimes I change up the sweetener if the oranges are tart. If they’re already sweet, I just skip the honey or syrup.

Instructions

I like to get everything ready ahead of time so the drink comes together fast.

• Wash and pat dry the basil leaves.
• Toss 4–5 basil leaves into a mixing glass.
• Add honey or syrup and lime juice.
• Gently muddle the basil to release its flavor—don’t go overboard.
• Pour in the fresh blood orange juice.
• Stir well.
• Fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
• Strain the mixture over the ice.
• Top with sparkling water or club soda.
• Stir gently.
• Garnish with a basil sprig and a slice of blood orange.

I always serve it right away so the bubbles stay fresh and lively.

Notes

The flavor really depends on how ripe the blood oranges are. If they’re super sweet, the drink tastes softer, but if they’re tart, you’ll get more of a bite.

For a stronger basil flavor, I muddle a few extra leaves. If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I just stir in one leaf at the end instead.

This recipe works with other citrus too. I’ve swapped in regular oranges or even grapefruit when blood oranges weren’t around. Basil seems to get along with all of them.

Sometimes I chill the glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It keeps the drink colder longer and stops it from watering down too fast.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright citrus flavor of blood orange jumps out immediately. It tastes fresh and a little sweet, with just enough tartness to keep things interesting.

The basil brings in a gentle herbal note. It doesn’t take over, but it gives a clean, green edge that somehow lifts the citrus.

I notice a soft sparkle from the bubbles. The fizz makes the drink feel crisp and refreshing—almost like a light soda, but thankfully not too sweet.

Here’s how the flavors line up:

• Blood orange brings sweetness and tang.
• Basil adds freshness.
• Sparkling water gives a lively finish.

Each sip goes down smooth and easy. I really appreciate how the flavors stay clear and never get muddled or heavy.

The color? It’s a deep orange-red, so the drink looks just as bright as it tastes. Honestly, the look matches those clean flavors in the glass.