Description
This refreshing Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail combines fresh berries, a homemade strawberry syrup, and sparkling water for a delightful, bubbly beverage perfect for any occasion. With vibrant berry ice cubes and a touch of tart lemon juice, this non-alcoholic drink is both flavorful and visually appealing, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or a healthy treat.
Ingredients
Berry Ice Cubes
- Fresh Strawberries, chopped – 1 cup
- Fresh Blueberries, halved – 1/2 cup
- Water – enough to fill ice cube tray
Strawberry Syrup Puree
- Fresh or Frozen Strawberries – 1½ cups
- Water – 1 cup
- Maple Syrup – ¼ cup (optional; can omit for sugar-free or substitute with honey or coconut sugar)
Strawberry Sparkler Drink
- Strawberry Syrup Puree – 3 to 4 tablespoons per serving
- Fruit Ice Cubes (prepared as above) – as needed
- Lemon Juice – 1 teaspoon per serving
- Sparkling Water – about 1 cup per serving
Instructions
- Prepare Berry Ice Cubes: Chop fresh strawberries and cut fresh blueberries in half. Distribute the fruit pieces evenly into an ice cube tray, fill with water, and place in the freezer. Freeze until the cubes are completely solid, which typically takes at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make Strawberry Syrup Puree: In a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups of fresh or frozen strawberries with 1 cup of water and ¼ cup of maple syrup (or your chosen sweetener). Simmer the mixture over medium heat until the strawberries become soft and break down, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to create a thick, smooth syrup. Let the syrup cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Assemble Strawberry Sparkler Drink: In a serving glass, add 3 to 4 tablespoons of the chilled strawberry syrup. Place several fruit ice cubes into the glass. Pour in 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice, then top up with about 1 cup of sparkling water. Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, adding more syrup if preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing mocktail.
Notes
- The maple syrup is optional and can be replaced with honey or coconut sugar for different sweetness profiles, or omitted altogether for a sugar-free version.
- Fruit ice cubes not only chill the drink but also enhance its flavor as they melt.
- Using fresh lemon juice adds brightness, but fresh lime juice can be substituted for a slightly different citrus note.
- This mocktail can be prepared in advance by making the syrup and freezing the ice cubes ahead of time.
- Adjust the quantity of sparkle water or syrup according to personal preference for sweetness and carbonation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
