Oh, we listened to our audience, and you all said you wanted more cool-down recipes in our Mediterranean Summer Series. So, we delivered! If you’re looking for the ultimate refreshing summer drink, this one belongs at the top of your list.

What’s not to love about fresh cucumber, mint, basil, and lime? These simple ingredients create a mocktail that’s crisp, refreshing, and full of garden-fresh flavor. The best surprise? When you muddle purple basil with fresh lime juice, it naturally creates the most gorgeous pinkish-purple hue. No artificial colors or additives—just nature doing its thing!

If you have fresh herbs growing in your garden, do yourself a favor and make this mocktail. It’s the perfect drink for hot summer afternoons, backyard barbecues, or simply relaxing on the patio.

Cucumber Mint Basil Lime Mocktail

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 can (12 ounces) sparkling water (I used LaCroix Blackberry.)
• 8 fresh purple basil leaves
• 10–12 fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup organic sugar or honey
• Juice of 2 limes
• ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced with a mandolin (reserve 4 slices for garnish)
• Ice

Method:

1. Add the purple basil leaves, fresh mint leaves, lime juice, and sugar (or honey) to the bottom of a cocktail shaker or sturdy glass. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle everything together until the herbs become fragrant and the sugar begins to dissolve. If you’re using honey, muddle until it is well incorporated into the lime juice.
2. Fill two serving glasses with ice and divide the herb and lime mixture evenly between them.
3. Slowly pour the sparkling water into each glass and gently stir to combine. Avoid overmixing so the drink stays nice and bubbly.
4. Using a mandoline, thinly slice the cucumber. Tuck the cucumber slices around the inside of each glass and add a couple more on top for a beautiful presentation.
5. Garnish with additional purple basil leaves, fresh mint sprigs, and a lime wheel if desired. Serve immediately while cold and sparkling.

Recipe Notes:

• Purple basil naturally reacts with the acidity of fresh lime juice, creating a beautiful pink-purple color without any food coloring.
• English cucumbers are ideal because they’re crisp, mild, and have very few seeds.
• You can sweeten this mocktail with organic sugar or honey depending on your preference.
• For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice
• This refreshing mocktail is perfect for any occasion

See you soon with more Mediterranean Summer Series recipes.