Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? The Peach Basil Refresher Mocktail combines sweet peaches with aromatic basil for a perfect summer beverage.
This easy-to-make mocktail requires just five ingredients. It takes less than ten minutes to prepare.
The bright flavors of this drink make it ideal for backyard gatherings, brunches, or anytime you want something special without the alcohol.
The natural sweetness of peaches pairs wonderfully with the herbal notes of fresh basil.
Children and adults alike enjoy this drink, making it a great option for family events.
The recipe can be doubled or tripled for larger groups, and it looks beautiful when served in clear glasses garnished with peach slices and basil leaves.
Peach Basil Refresher Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
- Tall glasses for serving
- Knife and cutting board
- Blender (optional, for fresh peach puree)
Ingredients
Base Ingredients (Makes 2 servings):
- 1 cup peach puree fresh or store-bought
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup sparkling water or soda water
- Ice cubes
For a stronger peach flavor, use ripe peaches in season (June through September).
Instructions
- Prepare the peach puree: If using fresh peaches, peel, pit, and slice 2-3 ripe peaches. Blend until smooth. Strain if desired for a smoother texture.
- Muddle the basil: Place basil leaves in the cocktail shaker or mason jar. Gently muddle to release the oils and aroma without tearing the leaves.
- Combine ingredients: Add peach puree, honey (or simple syrup), and lemon juice to the basil. Add a handful of ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Strain and serve: Fill two tall glasses with ice. Strain the mixture into the glasses, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Add finishing touch: Top each glass with sparkling water and stir gently. Garnish with peach slices and basil sprigs
Notes
Tasting Notes
The Peach Basil Refresher Mocktail offers a bright, complex flavor profile that balances sweet and herbal notes.
The first sip delivers a sweet peach flavor that’s fresh and natural rather than candy-like. The peach taste is most noticeable at the beginning.
Basil adds an aromatic, slightly peppery note that cuts through the sweetness. This herbal element creates depth without overpowering the fruit.
Primary Flavor Elements:
- Peach: Sweet, juicy, summery
- Basil: Herbal, aromatic, fresh
- Citrus: Bright, tangy finish
The drink has a light, refreshing mouthfeel with gentle carbonation if soda water is used. The texture is smooth without being thick or syrupy.
When properly chilled, the mocktail tastes crisp and clean. The flavors become more balanced as the drink sits for a few minutes, allowing the basil to infuse more fully.
This mocktail works well as a palate cleanser between meals or as a refreshing afternoon drink.
The flavor intensity can be adjusted by adding more or less fruit and herbs.
The aftertaste is clean with lingering hints of peach and basil that fade pleasantly, leaving the mouth feeling refreshed rather than coated with sweetness.
Substitutes
You can swap out ingredients in the Peach Basil Refresher Mocktail if needed. These changes will give your drink a different but still tasty flavor.
For peaches, try nectarines or mangoes when fresh peaches aren’t available. Frozen peaches work well too. Just thaw them first.
Basil Alternatives:
- Mint leaves
- Lemon balm
- Rosemary (use less—it’s stronger)
No sparkling water? Regular water works, but you’ll miss the fizz. Club soda or tonic water can step in, though tonic adds sweetness.
For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup can replace simple syrup. Agave nectar makes another good option.
The drink’s taste will change with substitutions, but that’s part of the fun. Try different combinations to find your favorite.
