Lemon Herb Spritzer

Name: Lemon Herb Spritzer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp honey; 1 cup water; 1/3 cup lemon juice (fresh); 2 tbsp mint (fresh, torn in pieces); 2 tbsp basil (fresh, torn in peices); 2 tsp lemon zest (fresh); 2 sprigs thyme (fresh); 2 tsp ginger (fresh); 1 large lemon (sliced); 2 cups sparkling water

A refreshing mocktail that easily becomes an interesting cocktail

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you are craving a refreshing, festive drink with hints of fresh herbs, the zing of lemon and spicy pop of ginger this mocktail is worth making!
Fresh lemon is bright and fruity which pairs perfectly with the earthiness of basil and thyme and warmth of freshly grated ginger.

One sip and you could have a new favourite!

What is a mocktail?

A mocktail is basically a cocktail without the alcohol and the term comes from combining the words mock and cocktail.

Guests love them as you still get to enjoy the complexity of flavours of a cocktail when fruit and herbs are blended with a sugar syrup and dash of soda or infused water.

So next time you’re having a brunch, luncheon, or even afternoon tea consider offering a mocktail as an alternative to juice, coffee, or tea.

If you decide to make an adult version, adding 4-ounces of vodka makes a delicious cocktail.

Some of these have Amazon affiliate links, which means Whole Food Studio might receive a small commission if you decide to purchase them.
Learn more.

4 great reasons to love this recipe

Mocktails make a refreshing change anytime of the year.
Guests love being offered an interesting non-alcoholic drink.
The recipe is so flexible – add vodka for a cocktail.
The combination of herbs with lemon is amazing.

How to make your Lemon Herb Spritzer

Prep time: 15 minutes (add time to chill)
Cook time: N/A
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

2 T. honey, preferably local
1 cup water
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
2T. fresh mint, washed and torn into pieces
2 T. fresh basil, washed and torn into pieces
2 t. fresh lemon zest, preferably organic
2 fresh thyme sprigs
2 t. fresh ginger root, finely minced
1 large lemon, washed
2 c. sparkling water
Fresh ice

Optional Cocktail Version:

4oz. vodka

Your Garnish:

Fresh basil leaves
Lemon slices

Budget Tip:

If you love this drink, you can lower your cost by using a SodaStream.
I fill my bottles with tap water, leave the lid off overnight to get rid of any chlorine smells then refrigerate until ready to use.
You’ll also reduce recycling waste at the same time.

Vegan or green-choice tip:

Change the honey to a plant-based sweetener such as non-processed maple syrup.
Sugar is not considered vegan, agave is highly processed, and stevia has fewer health benefits than maple syrup.
The only problem is, the color will change if you’re looking for a clear drink.

Equipment:

Chef’s 8″ knife
Chopping board
Small saucepan
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Zester
Juicer
Wood stirring spoon
Pitcher or 1-quart Mason jar with a lid
4 chilled glasses or just use insulated stainless steel cocktail glasses

And, if you’re off for a hike, you may want to consider pouring your mocktail into an insulated 22 oz cocktail shaker that will keep your drink cold for hours.

Directions:

Add honey and water to a small saucepan. Turn heat to MEDIUM and stir until the honey dissolves.
Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool for 5-210 minutes before pouring into a pitcher or 1-quart mason jar.
Zest the lemon and add to the pitcher.
Cut and juice the lemon and add 1/3 cup to the pitcher.
Tear the basil and mint leaves and add.
Zest or grate the fresh ginger root and add.
Add the thyme sprigs.
If using vodka, add before stirring gently to combine ingredients.
Cover and place in refrigerator to chill.
Place 4 clean glasses in refrigerator to chill and don’t forget to check you have ice.

To Serve:

Pour sparkling water into the pitcher and stir to combine.
Pour your mocktail, or cocktail, into 4 chilled glasses already filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a basil leaf, add a slice of lemon and serve immediately.

Enjoy!

I hope you’ll give this delicious recipe a try next time.

Want more recipes like this?
Follow me or sign up for my newsletter!

If you’re interested in making more mock or cocktails, this bartender kit makes a great gift idea!

You could also print this recipe and slip it inside the card.