The Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail is a delightful concoction that combines the vibrant flavors of mandarin, lime, and basil, creating a low-sugar mocktail that’s perfect for any occasion.

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Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail

When I’m craving all the flavor in a drink, but want to keep it low-sugar, I reach for the Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail. It offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a touch of earthy basil for an extra layer of complexity. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a low-sugar alternative to sweeter mocktails without sacrificing any of the taste.

This mocktail comes together quickly and easily, with only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep work. If you don’t have mandarins on hand, orange, clementine, or even grapefruit works here. In a pinch, bottled lime juice is a good sub, but I always recommend fresh lime juice if you can. Monk fruit is a great natural sweetener for this recipe, but feel free to swap with your preferred low-sugar sweetener. Cheers!

Ingredients for the Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail

• Monk Fruit Sweetener: A natural, zero-calorie sweetener that dissolves easily, making it perfect for low-sugar mocktails. I used Lakanto Classic Monk Fruit Sweetener.
• Hot Water: Dissolves the monkfruit sweetener and activates the fragrant oils in the basil leaves.
• Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a touch of peppery, herbal flavor that balances the citrus notes.
• Mandarin: Mandarins provide the base of the citrus flavor profile. Feel free to use other citrus here.
• Lime: A touch of lime juice adds tartness and brightness to the drink.
• Citrus Sparkling Water: Creates a light and refreshing base, complementing the citrus and herbal flavors. I like LaCroix Limoncello, but feel free to experiment with your favorite variety!
• Mandarin Slice: For a pop of color and citrus aroma.

How to Make the Citrus Basil Smash Mocktail

Crafting this mocktail is simple and ready in minutes! Start by dissolving the monkfruit sweetener in hot water within a cocktail glass. Next, muddle the fresh basil leaves to release their fragrant oils.

Add the mandarin and lime juices, followed by ice to fill the glass. Top it all off with citrus sparkling water and give it a gentle stir to combine the flavors. Garnish the mocktail with a mandarin slice and enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using monkfruit sweetener in this mocktail?

Monkfruit sweetener is a natural sweetener with zero calories and a glycemic index of zero, making it a great choice for those watching their sugar intake. It also dissolves easily and doesn’t leave any aftertaste, allowing the other flavors in the mocktail to shine through.

Can I use regular sparkling water?

Yes, use whatever you have on hand. Regular sparkling water is a fantastic substitute for citrus-flavored if that’s what you prefer.

What citrus fruits can I use instead of mandarins?

Mandarins offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor, but you can easily substitute other citrus fruits in this recipe. Clementines, oranges, or even grapefruit would work well. Experiment to find your favorite combination! Using a different citrus might slightly alter the sweetness and tartness balance, so adjust the monkfruit sweetener or lime juice to your taste preference.

What’s the best way to muddle basil leaves?

To release the full flavor of basil, gently muddle the leaves using a muddler or the back of a spoon. Be careful not to over-muddle, as it can result in a bitter taste.

I’m hosting a large party. Can I easily scale up this recipe?

This recipe easily doubles or triples to serve a larger crowd. Simply multiply all ingredients by the desired amount and mix everything in a pitcher. When serving, divide the mocktail mixture among individual glasses filled with ice and top with sparkling water.

More Mocktails to Enjoy

• Grapefruit Rose Mocktail Spritz
• Watermelon Basil Mocktail
• 3-ingredient Drink: Limoncello Rose Mocktail

If you’re interested in taking Insta-worthy photos of your cocktails too, check out my free food photography training – 5 Secrets to High-End Food (& Drink) Photography That Makes You More Money (Even If You Don’t Have a Large Following).

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