Citrus Basil Refresher Mocktail Recipe

I love whipping up refreshing drinks at home—especially mocktails. Citrus and basil are a combo I keep coming back to for that cool, fresh kick.

This Citrus Basil Refresher Mocktail Recipe is honestly so easy, with ingredients you probably already have hanging around.

Whenever I want something a little special but don’t feel like having alcohol, this is my go-to. It’s quick, the flavors are bright, and it just wakes up my taste buds.

If you’re after a delicious, vibrant drink for any time, you really should give this one a shot.

Citrus Basil Refresher Mocktail Recipe

Making a citrus basil refresher at home is one of my favorite things. You get all that brightness from fresh fruit and herbs.

It’s simple—no fancy tricks, just stuff I usually have in the kitchen. Plus, I can play with the citrus flavors depending on my mood.

Equipment

• Highball glass or another tall glass
• Cocktail shaker (or mason jar with lid)
• Muddler (or wooden spoon for muddling)
• Jigger or measuring spoons
• Small knife and cutting board
• Spoon or stirring stick
• Citrus juicer (handheld or electric)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional, for smoother juice)

Honestly, a highball glass just looks good and lets you see all the pretty citrus slices. A muddler is handy for the basil, but if you don’t have one, the back of a wooden spoon does the job.

A decent citrus juicer? Total game changer—no sticky hands.

Ingredients

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce fresh orange juice
• 2 ounces grapefruit juice (optional for extra tang)
• 3 ounces sparkling water or club soda
• Citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime), for garnish
• Orange slices and lemon slices, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Fresh juice makes all the difference. I always squeeze real lemons, oranges, and limes for that punchy flavor.

Garnishing with extra basil and thin citrus slices just makes it feel special. If I’m in the mood, I’ll toss in some grapefruit juice for a bit more zing.

The simple syrup? Just enough sweetness—don’t skip it.

Instructions

• Add the basil leaves and simple syrup to the glass.
• Use a muddler to gently press and release the basil oils.
• Pour in the fresh lemon juice, orange juice, lime juice, and the grapefruit juice if you’re using it.
• Add ice cubes until the glass is about halfway full.
• Stir everything together—don’t rush it.
• Top with sparkling water or club soda.
• Garnish with citrus zest, orange and lemon slices, and a few more basil leaves.
• Serve right away while it’s still cold and fizzy.

When muddling, go easy—too much pressure makes the basil bitter, which is not what you want. I always add the sparkling water last so it stays nice and bubbly.

Notes

I usually reach for club soda because I like a bit more fizz, but sparkling water is fine too. If you prefer it sweeter, just add a little more simple syrup.

Want more citrus? Up the orange or grapefruit juice—it’s really flexible.

Fresh basil is best, but if you’re out, mint works for a fun twist. I swap out the citrus garnish depending on what’s in the fridge.

A hit of extra zest on top makes it smell amazing. And since there’s no alcohol, anyone can enjoy it—kids, adults, whoever’s thirsty.

Tasting Notes

When I take my first sip, the citrus flavors jump out—honestly, it’s hard to miss them. There’s this lively mix of lemon, lime, and orange that just zings across my tongue.

It’s crisp and tangy, but not in a way that overwhelms. There’s a gentle sweetness too, which helps smooth things out.

Thankfully, it’s not overly sugary. That keeps the drink feeling light and refreshing—definitely not heavy.

The basil is kind of the wild card here. It brings this herbal note that’s surprisingly good, and it meshes with the citrus in a way that just feels clean and cool.

Vitamin C comes straight from the lemons and oranges, which is always a plus. Makes me feel like I’m doing something decent for my health, even if it’s just a drink.

Basil’s got antioxidants too. That adds to the good-for-you vibe, and the aftertaste is a little earthy—kind of grounding, actually.

Every sip is this mix of sweet, sour, and herbal, and the basil really ties it all together. I’d call it super thirst-quenching, especially on a warm day.

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