Refreshing No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler in 10 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you have to try my No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler – it’s like summer in a glass! I came up with this recipe during last year’s heatwave when I was hosting a backyard BBQ and wanted something refreshing but not loaded with sugar. The natural sweetness from ripe strawberries blew everyone away, and the basil adds this unexpected herbal twist that makes it so special. Trust me, once you taste how the tart lemon juice balances everything out, you’ll be hooked. My neighbors still ask for the recipe every time we have a get-together!

Ingredients for No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

You won’t believe how just a handful of simple ingredients come together in this magical drink! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced – trust me, fresh makes all the difference)
• 10 fresh basil leaves (I like to gently smack mine between my palms to release the oils)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed, please – it’s worth the extra squeeze!)
• 2 cups cold water (ice cold keeps it refreshing)
• Ice cubes (for serving)

That’s it! Five ingredients is all it takes to create this refreshing masterpiece. I promise it’s easier than you think.

How to Make No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Making this refreshing drink is so simple you’ll wonder why you ever bought sugary sodas. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be sipping summer in no time.

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

First things first – toss those beautiful sliced strawberries into your blender along with the basil leaves and lemon juice. Now here’s my secret: pulse it a few times first before letting it rip. This keeps the basil from getting overworked and turning bitter. Blend until silky smooth – about 30 seconds should do it. Don’t go longer or you’ll heat up the mixture (which we don’t want in a cooler!).

Step 2: Strain the Mixture

This step makes all the difference! Pour your blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher. Use a spoon to gently press out all that luscious juice while leaving the seeds and pulp behind. Some people skip this, but trust me – taking this extra minute gives you that perfect, velvety texture that makes this drink feel extra special.

Step 3: Mix and Serve

Now stir in that cold water (I told you chilling it was important!) and you’re almost there. Fill your glasses with ice – plenty of it – and pour your gorgeous pink liquid over top. If you’re feeling fancy (and I always am), throw in a fresh basil leaf or two for garnish, or add a couple mint leaves if you want an extra refreshing kick. First sip? Pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

Let me count the ways this drink will become your summer staple:

• Refreshing as a dip in the pool – That sweet-tart combo with herbal notes instantly cools you down
• Guilt-free sipping – Just 50 calories per cup with all-natural sweetness
• Zero added sugar – Ripe strawberries do all the sweet work for you
• Ready in 10 minutes flat – Faster than running to the store for soda!
• Tastes fancy without the fuss – Looks gorgeous in glass pitchers for parties

Seriously, I make pitchers of this weekly once berry season hits. It’s that good!

Tips for the Best No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

Want to take your strawberry basil cooler from good to “Oh wow!”? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:

• Chill that water hard – I keep a pitcher in the fridge just for this recipe. Ice-cold liquid means an instantly refreshing drink.
• Test your basil – Some leaves are stronger than others! Start with 8 leaves, then add more after tasting if you want extra herbal punch.
• Pick perfectly ripe berries – They should smell sweet at the stem end. Pale or firm ones won’t give you that natural sugar hit we’re after.
• Serve immediately – The flavors are brightest right after making it, though the strained mix keeps overnight if you must.

Variations for No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

Oh, the fun you can have with this recipe! I love playing around with different twists depending on my mood. For extra freshness, toss in a handful of mint leaves before blending – it pairs perfectly with the basil. Thinly sliced cucumber adds a spa-like crispness that’s divine. And here’s my favorite party trick: swap the still water for sparkling water right before serving for delightful bubbles that make it feel extra celebratory. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry basil cooler is basically summer’s best wingman! I love serving it alongside my go-to Greek salad or piled-high veggie wraps on hot afternoons. It’s magical with grilled chicken or fish too – that herbal note just sings with charred flavors. But honestly? Sometimes I just pour myself a tall glass, grab a lounge chair, and call it perfection!

Storage & Reheating

Here’s the honest truth – this strawberry basil cooler tastes best fresh! The basil starts losing its bright flavor after a few hours. If you must store it, keep the strained mixture (without water added) in the fridge for up to one day max. Give it a good shake before mixing with cold water and serving over fresh ice. But trust me, nothing beats making it right before you’re ready to sip!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the skinny on this guilt-free sipper: each refreshing cup packs just 50 calories with all-natural sugars from the strawberries. Remember, these values are estimates – your exact nutrition may vary slightly depending on your berries’ ripeness and size. But trust me, it’s way better than anything you’ll find in a soda can!

FAQs About No Sugar Strawberry Basil Cooler

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are answers to the questions that pop up most often!

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Thaw them first and pat dry – just know fresh berries give the brightest flavor. Frozen work in a pinch though, especially off-season.

How long does it stay fresh?
Honestly? Drink it the same day. The basil loses its magic after about 4 hours. If you must store it, keep the strained mix (no water added) overnight max.

What if I want it sweeter?
Try stevia drops if you must, but trust me – ripe berries are plenty sweet! Let the mixture sit 10 minutes before serving to let flavors mingle naturally.

Let’s Keep the Cooler Love Going!

Did this strawberry basil cooler hit the spot for you? I’d love to hear how it turned out – leave a rating or comment below, or share your own twist with friends! Happy sipping!

For more delicious and healthy recipes, check out our uncategorized section. You can also find inspiration on Pinterest.

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