Why Try This Recipe?

Have you ever wanted to enjoy a delightful drink that’s both sophisticated and refreshing? Imagine sipping on a floral hibiscus blend, complemented by the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the aromatic touch of basil. Wouldn’t you love to impress your friends at your next gathering with this exquisite mocktail? Try it out and elevate your beverage game!

Recipe Information

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• For the Mocktail:
  • 200 g strawberries
  • Ice cubes
  • 100 ml sparkling water
• For the Hibiscus Infusion:
  • 4 teaspoons dried hibiscus flowers
  • 750 ml still water
• For the Basil Syrup:
  • 1 bunch of basil
  • 180 g sugar
  • 250 ml still water

Instructions

1. Prepare Hibiscus Infusion:
   1. Boil the water and add the dried hibiscus flowers.
   2. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
   3. Strain the mixture and allow it to cool before refrigerating it.
2. Make Basil Syrup:
   1. In a saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil.
   2. Coarsely chop the basil, including the stems.
   3. Once boiling, remove from heat, add the chopped basil, cover, and let it steep for 1 hour.
   4. Strain the mixture to remove basil leaves.
3. Prepare the Mocktail:
   1. In a blender, combine the hibiscus infusion, strawberries, and 250 ml of basil syrup with some ice cubes.
   2. Blend until smooth.
   3. Just before serving, add the sparkling water to the mixture and stir gently.
   4. Garnish with additional strawberries and basil leaves as decoration.

Nutrition Information

Approx. 120 calories per serving.

Recipe Tips

• Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the syrup according to your preference.
• You can use fresh basil from your garden for an even more robust flavor.
• For a fun twist, try adding a splash of lime juice to the mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this mocktail in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the hibiscus infusion and basil syrup a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just mix in the sparkling water before serving.

Is it possible to use other fruits in this mocktail?

Of course! You can substitute strawberries for any seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches to enjoy different flavors.

How can I make this mocktail more festive?

Consider serving it in beautiful glasses with colorful garnishes like edible flowers or citrus slices to make it extra special!

Can I add alcohol to this recipe for an adult version?

Definitely! You can add your preferred spirit such as vodka or rum to create a spirited cocktail variant.

How long can I store the basil syrup?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the basil syrup can last for about one week.