Lemon Basil Soda

An American-style soda that balances lemon sharpness with a basil-infused syrup, then dilutes it with sparkling water over ice for a crisp, herb-forward drink.

By Julienne

Cook time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 120 ml water for basil syrup
• 80 g granulated sugar for basil syrup
• 16 g fresh basil leaves lightly packed, divided
• 120 ml lemon juice freshly squeezed and strained
• 1 g lemon zest finely grated, optional garnish
• 680 ml sparkling water well chilled
• 240 g ice for serving
• 4 g fresh basil leaves lightly packed, divided
• 1 g lemon zest finely grated, optional garnish

Instructions

1. Make the basil syrup: combine 120 ml water, 80 g granulated sugar, and 16 g of the basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat and steep for 5 minutes. The syrup looks clear and slightly green-tinted, and the basil smells pronounced.
2. Strain the syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher, pressing gently on the leaves, then discard the solids. Let the syrup cool for 3 to 5 minutes. The syrup is free of leaves and warm rather than hot.
3. Add 120 ml lemon juice to the pitcher and stir to combine. If using the optional garnish, add 1 g of the lemon zest now for extra aroma, or reserve it for the glasses. The mixture is evenly combined and smells bright and herbal.
4. Add 680 ml chilled sparkling water and stir once or twice just to combine without losing too much carbonation. The drink is evenly mixed and still actively fizzy.
5. Fill 4 tall glasses with 240 g ice total, pour in the soda evenly, and garnish each glass with a basil leaf. If using the optional zest, finish with the remaining 1 g of lemon zest divided among the glasses. Each glass is cold, fizzy, and aromatic, with visible basil garnish on top.