Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails

Name: Lemon-Basil Mojito Mocktails
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1-1/2 cups sugar; 4 cups water; 6 cups fresh basil leaves, divided; Crushed ice, divided; 2 bottles (1 liter each) club soda; GARNISH:; Fresh lemon wedges

Total Time Prep: 15 min. + chilling

Yield 12 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups sugar
4 cups water
6 cups fresh basil leaves, divided
Crushed ice, divided
2 bottles (1 liter each) club soda
GARNISH:
Fresh lemon wedges

Directions

In a small saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Place half the basil in a small bowl. With a pestle or wooden spoon, crush basil until its aroma is released. Stir into sugar mixture. Remove from heat; cool completely. Strain; refrigerate until cold.
Place 2 cups crushed ice and remaining basil in a 4-qt. pitcher. Using a muddler or a wooden spoon, press basil leaves against ice until their aroma is released. Stir in basil syrup and soda. Serve over crushed ice in tall glasses; squeeze lemon wedges into drink.

Nutrition Facts

1 serving: 101 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.

In this twist on the classic summer beverage, lemon and basil take the place of mint. For a grown-up version, just add your favorite rum or vodka. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Recipe Creator