Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe

This refreshing citrus basil smash mocktail brings garden-fresh flavors to any gathering.

Fresh citrus juice and muddled basil create a bright and zesty drink that’s perfect for warm spring days.

The combination of sweet oranges, tangy lemons, and aromatic basil makes a drink that tastes just as good as any alcoholic cocktail.

Making this mocktail at home takes less than 5 minutes.

The recipe uses simple ingredients found at most grocery stores.

The drink works great for parties, brunches, or any time you want something special without alcohol.

Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe

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This refreshing drink combines fresh citrus juice, muddled basil leaves, and sparkling water for a bright and flavorful non-alcoholic beverage perfect for any occasion.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail muddler (or wooden spoon)
• Cocktail shaker
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Collins glass
• Ice cube tray
• Citrus juicer
• Measuring jigger or cups

Ingredients

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3-4 oz sparkling water
• Ice cubes
• Basil sprig and citrus wheel for garnish

Instructions

• Add basil leaves to the cocktail shaker.
• Muddle the basil gently to release its oils.
• Pour in the lemon, lime, and orange juices.
• Add simple syrup to the shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds.
• Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
• Strain the mixture into the glass.
• Top with sparkling water.
• Garnish with a basil sprig and citrus wheel.

Notes

Store fresh citrus juice in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Make simple syrup by mixing equal parts hot water and sugar until dissolved.

For a sweeter drink, add an extra 1/2 oz of simple syrup.

Replace sparkling water with ginger ale for extra flavor.

Keep basil leaves fresh by storing them wrapped in slightly damp paper towels in the refrigerator.

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Tasting Notes

This bright and zesty mocktail offers a perfect balance of sweet citrus and fresh herbs.

The fresh basil leaves add an aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.

The first sip brings forward the tangy lime juice, followed by subtle hints of orange.

These citrus flavors create a refreshing and clean taste on the palate.

A light sweetness from the simple syrup helps smooth out the drink’s acidic elements.

The combination creates a well-rounded flavor profile that isn’t too tart or too sweet.

The carbonated water adds a pleasant fizzy texture.

Each bubble carries the aromatic basil essence, making every sip both refreshing and interesting.

Key Flavor Notes:

• Bright citrus (lime and orange)
• Fresh garden basil
• Light sweetness
• Crisp bubbles

The drink’s pleasant aftertaste leaves hints of herbs and citrus.

These flavors linger briefly, making it an ideal choice for warm afternoons or as a non-alcoholic option at parties.

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Substitute

You can make this mocktail with different ingredients if you don’t have everything on hand. Each swap keeps the drink’s fresh taste while adding new flavor notes.

Replace the citrus juice with other fruits. Try grapefruit, tangerine, or blood orange juice instead of regular orange juice. Each brings its own sweet-tart balance.

Main citrus substitutes:

• Grapefruit juice
• Tangerine juice
• Blood orange juice
• Lemon-lime mix

Switch up the herbs too. Fresh mint gives a cool taste, while rosemary adds pine notes. Thai basil brings a hint of spice.

No fresh herbs? Use 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or 2-3 drops basil extract. The flavor won’t be as bright, but it works in a pinch.

For the sweetener, try:

• Simple syrup
• Agave nectar
• Maple syrup
• Honey

Skip the club soda and use sparkling water or tonic water instead. Each adds different bubbles and taste to the drink.