I've never been a big canned soda fan...I don't know why, but mineral water has always been a lot more refreshing to me than a coke but I do love the bubbles and trying new things. So, when I saw a recent article in Bon Appetit for home-made soda--I thought a DIY soda recipe was definitely worth checking out. With easy & simple recipes for Lemongrass-Lime soda, Spicy Ginger soda and Cucumber, Mint & Basil soda, I wanted to make all three immediately...but I started with last one first. It was SO good!! Incredibly refreshing, super yummy and has excellent potential for your next cocktail party...
Here are photos and the recipe.
Cucumber, Mint & Basil Soda
Makes 12 Adapted from Bon Appetit
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1 cucumber, sliced into 24 rounds (approximately)
24 fresh mint leaves plus 12 sprigs for garnish
12 fresh basil leaves
6 cups of soda water, divided
Add the sugar and water to small saucepan, bring to boil--dissolving sugar. (This is called: simple syrup.)
Add 1/2 the cucumbers; (reserving 12 rounds for garnish), 24 mint leaves and the basil.
Cover and let steep for 30 mins.
Strain cucumber-herb syrup into jar, pressing on solids in strainer. Fill a 12-oz glass with ice cubes. Add 2-3 Tbsp. syrup and top with soda water (about 1/2 cup). Stir to combine.
Garnish with cucumber slice and a sprig of mint. Repeat to make 11 more sodas.
Or combine in bottle and store in fridge for later refreshment!
Absolutely delightful!
We made the same sodas this past weekend! Discovered it is also nice with a little gin.
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