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Basil and Lemon Sparkling Cordial with Honey
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When basil bushes overflow in the July garden, most of us think pesto — but this fragrant herb makes an unexpectedly refreshing drink. This homemade cordial captures basil’s peppery-sweet perfume alongside bright lemon and mellow honey. Diluted with sparkling water over ice, it’s a grown-up refresher that turns a handful of leaves into something genuinely special.
⏱ Prep 10 min🔥 Cook 5 min👥 Serves 8📊 Level Easy
Ingredients for 8 people
2 cups (480ml) water
3/4 cup (255g) honey
2 cups (50g) fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
Zest of 2 lemons (organic, unwaxed)
2/3 cup (160ml) fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
Sparkling water, to serve
Ice cubes, to serve
Extra basil sprigs and lemon slices, to garnish
The Recipe
Combine the water and honey in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring, just until the honey dissolves — do not let it boil.
Remove from the heat and add the lemon zest and sea salt. Let cool for 5 minutes until steaming but no longer hot.
Gently bruise the basil leaves between your palms to release their oils, then stir them into the warm syrup. Cover and steep for 20 minutes.
Strain the syrup through a fine sieve into a clean jar or bottle, pressing the basil gently to extract flavour. Discard the leaves and zest.
Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust with a little more honey or lemon to balance.
Chill the cordial thoroughly, at least 1 hour.
To serve, pour about 3 tablespoons (45ml) of cordial into a glass filled with ice.
Top with sparkling water (roughly 1 part cordial to 4 parts water), stir once, and garnish with a basil sprig and a lemon slice.
