When you have one window in your entire apartment (yes, I’m serious), no air conditioning, and a ceiling fan so rickety you only dare to pump it on low, you quickly learn alternative methods of cooling down from the steamy summer heat. As much as I love glazed doughnuts, walking around resembling one is no good for anyone.
This citrus and basil stunner is my go-to beverage when it’s too hot to be kitchen bound, and far too early in the day to indulge in summer cocktail refreshment.
In this fizzy darling drink, citrus meets basil at the bottom of a large pitcher where they get a quick, gentle mash before a shimmering cascade of sparkling water is poured on top completing the process. Seriously, that’s it.
Happy hydration!
Sparkling Basil & Citrus Water
1 grapefruit
1 orange
2 lemons
2 limes
1/2 cup fresh basil, torn
8 cups sparkling water (still water may work great, too!)
Wash citrus, and slice it into thin rounds. Tear fresh basil into small pieces, and combine it with the citrus in a large pitcher. Gentle mash the fruit and basil together with a wooden spoon of muddler, just enough to release some of the juice from the citrus. Pour the citrus water over the fruit, stir, and serve immediately over ice.
Charles says
Oh you poor thing – I can’t imagine how hot it must be! Sounds like you have a great way of cooling off though. Love the sound of this, definitely with sparkling water for me. Not sure what it would be like with still… might lack a bit of zing I think. The basil is an interesting touch… must give it a try, thanks for sharing – keep cool 🙂
bakerbynature says
Thank you, Charles! I actually did try it with still water and it was refreshing, but not as fizzy and fun as it’s carbonated counterpart.
bakerbynature says
I want to take a ballet class with you! And I’m glad to hear you made it through the heat!! This drink certainly could have been a friend to you last night 😉
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I love the citrus slices in this one! Total refreshment!
bakerbynature says
Thank you, Anna! Total refreshment is where I want to be all summer!
Em (Wine and Butter) says
Mocktails!! I was always the original cynic but (in my old age) Im starting to appreciate them.. This one looks delish love!! Also, I wowed some NY’ers the other day with my knowledge of Red Hook being what all the cool kids do now. I was like I’m English but I know ALL about london, SF AND Nyc :)! xox
bakerbynature says
Em, I love your comments!! And I’m so glad you looked savvy with your Brooklyn neighbor knowledge!!!
Helene says
this looks soooooooooo good, i bet it tastes the same way. great tip!
Erika - The Teenage Taste says
Girl, I don’t know how you live without AC during the Summer months, but this flavored water sounds like a great alternative way of cooling yourself down. It looks so refreshing!
bakerbynature says
I want AC soooooo badly, but I only have one window… and I think I’d go insane without natural light and air coming in. Just more inspiration to keep making more drinky-drinks!
Choc Chip Uru says
Normal water is so for chumps, this looks so much more refreshing and delicious my friend 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
bakerbynature says
Yes, for chumps indeed 😉 Although, I might get caught chugging the plain stuff down once in a while 😉
Reem | Simply Reem says
This sound so refreshing, I have oranges and grape fruits sitting on my counter and staring at me..
I am so making this
Perfect after a hot crazy day!!
bakerbynature says
It so so is!! Did you end up making it? xx
amy @ fearless homemaker says
this looks soooo good. i live on sparkling water and/or citrus water all year long, especially in the summer, so this looks absolutely divine to me. YUM!
bakerbynature says
Sparkling water always feels fancier to me, which gets me to drink it more than the plain old H20. But both are major refreshment!!
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
I have at least 8 grapefruits that are sitting in the kitchen (kids wanted to eat and now they are done..). This is such a perfect timing for me to see your post! I have lime and lemon too. No orange, but I would love to give this a try! I am not good at drinking water throughout a day (no taste and boring) and I always drink some flavored water or tea. Thanks for sharing this recipe!!
bakerbynature says
Kids are so fickle, right?! I’m no good at drinking plain water either, hence I’m always trying to jazz it up, even a little bit!