Strawberry Lemon Smash Mocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups chopped strawberries

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup honey

• 4 basil leaves

• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice

• Orange bitters (optional)

• Ice cubes or crushed ice

• Lemon or plain tonic water

• 4 basil sprigs, for garnish

• 4 lemon slices, for garnish

• Whole or sliced strawberries, for garnish

Method:

1. Heat chopped strawberries, water, sugar, honey, and basil leaves in a saucepan over high to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer strawberry syrup until sugar dissolves and strawberries break down, 10 minutes. Crush strawberries with a potato masher and cool to room temperature; discard basil leaves. Transfer strawberry syrup into a large measuring cup and chill until ready to serve.

2. Stir lemon juice into strawberry syrup. Add 1 to 2 dashes of orange bitters into four glasses. Divide strawberry syrup among glasses; stir to blend. Fill glasses with ice and top glasses off with tonic water. Stir to blend. Garnish drinks with basil sprigs, lemon slices, and strawberries, and serve immediately.


NOTE: if you prefer to not have pieces of strawberries in your drink, strain the syrup after it’s cooled to room temperature.