Cucumber-Basil Spritzers

This post may contain affiliate links.

IMG_5762.jpg

This post was originally written in June 2011, after I got back from the first ever Eat, Write, Retreat Conference. I’m headed off to the conference again this weekend and with any luck I’ll come back with even just a fraction of the inspiration and energy that I did last time. The Cucumber-Basil Spritzers are one of my favorite summertime drinks – I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
_________

When I was in DC for Eat, Write, Retreat last month, one of my first stops was happy hour at Cuba Libre to catch up with some of my old friends. As instructed by the placard on the bar in front of us, Mary asked the bartender about their “new seasonal drinks.” We were rewarded with a cucumber-basil mojito, which was one of the most deliciously refreshing drinks that I’ve ever had. It didn’t take me long to order another.

I knew I wanted to recreate this drink at home, and thought that it would be perfect for our Memorial Day cookout. However, when Memorial Day rolled around it was so swelteringly hot that the mere thought of alcohol made me nauseous. I didn’t want to abandon the idea of a cucumber-basil drink though, so I reinvented the mojitos as a nonalcoholic spritzer. Despite the lack of rum, these spritzers taste surprisingly close to the drink that they were inspired by. The combination of cucumber, basil, lime, and bubbles instantly relaxes you, and is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. I guarantee that we’ll be enjoying this drink all summer long.

IMG_5781.JPG

I didn’t want to post a real “recap” post , but Eat, Write, Retreat was so amazing that I can’t help but sharing a little. If you heard about any of the drama that happened at the other “conference that shall not be named” that was held the same weekend, there was none of that at EWR. At all. It was a great group of about 60 attendees, who were all there to learn, grow, and share. The conference had such a community atmosphere to it, and I came home with new friends, new skills, and tons of inspiration. I’ve been to a few other food blogging conferences (Foodbuzz and BlogHer) and, in my opinion, EWR was hands-down the best one. I can’t wait for next year!

Here are a few of the many lessons/inspirational tidbits that I took home with me. Many of which apply not only to blogging, but to life in general:

  • Don’t take shortcuts. Always try to make everything better.
  • Communicate. Share. Give.
  • When traveling, get off the beaten path and explore.
  • Don’t strive to be “the next so-and-so.” That’s already been done. Be original.
  • Do what you love, do what you love, do what you love. And always be authentic.
  • And perhaps most importantly: if your suitcase contains a 3-gallon ziplock bag of dry thyme, you WILL get a note from the TSA informing you that your bag was searched. Even if said bag also contains a griddle pan, a mandolin, and a ridiculous amount of other fantastic swag. (I’m also pretty sure they helped themselves to a few Goo Goo Clusters while they were searching. I can’t say that I blame them.)

IMG_5774.JPG

Cucumber-Basil Spritzers 2

Cucumber-Basil Spritzers

5
Print Pin Save
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 79kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cucumber
  • 2 Limes
  • ½ cup Water
  • cup Sugar
  • 8 Basil Leaves
  • 1 liter 32 ounces Club Soda

Instructions

  • Peel and seed the cucumber. Add the cucumber and 1/4 cup water to the bowl of a food processor. Process until the cucumber is liquefied.
  • Make the lime simple syrup by combining sugar, lime zest, and remaining water in a small saucepan. Heat until the sugar has melted. Chill until ready to serve. (The cucumber puree and simple syrup will keep for several days in the refrigerator)
  • To make the drink: place 2 basil leaves, the juice from 1/2 a lime, and 1 Tbs of your simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Use the back of a spoon to muddle the basil. Add 2 Tbs cucumber puree and top with 8 oz club soda. Stir gently to mix.
  • Sit back, Relax, and Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Cucumber-Basil Spritzers
Amount Per Serving
Calories 79
% Daily Value*
Protein 0.5g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @HealthyDelish or tag #HealthyDelish!
lauren

Hi, I'm Lauren!

I'm a certified plant-based cook and enthusiastic omnivore who loves looking for creative ways to make weeknight meals more nutritious. I'm the author of Heathy Eating One Pot Cookbook and Healthy Meal Prep Slow Cooker Cookbook. I also blog at The Busy Foodie. Read more...

 

Get My Quickstart Guide to Reclaiming Your Weeknights.

Better Meals. Fewer Dishes. 

Thanks! Keep an eye on your inbox for updates.

19 thoughts on “Cucumber-Basil Spritzers”

  1. Recently I was extremely low on cash and debts were eating me from all sides! That was UNTIL I decided to make money on the internet! I went to surveymoneymaker dot net, and started filling in surveys for cash, and surely I’ve been far more able to pay my bills! I’m so glad, I did this.. With all the financial stress these years, I really hope all of you will give it a chance. – sgp7

    Reply
  2. Yum these looks awesome! I see you’ll be attending the Big Summer Potluck this July. It will be my first time going and I’m looking forward to meeting you! xo

    Reply
    • Thanks! You’ll love BSP. This will be my third year there and it’s the one summer event that I refuse to miss. 🙂

  3. Lauren,
    I’m inspired! I have an infusion pitcher in the fridge, a Mother’s day present, currently filled with strawberries and lime. Since I’ve got a handful of basil leaves from the first CSA farm share also in the fridge, I’m thinking of making a basil-infused water too. Even though I’m not into mixed drinks (I’m real good at using a bottle opener to get to my beer, though) I’ve taken away an idea from this. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. These look amazing and I’m giddy to finally be attending my first EWR – look forward to meeting you there!

    Reply
  5. Hi Lauren, thanks for submitting your photo to DMBLGiT July 2011. Wishing you good luck !

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Joanne Cancel reply

Recipe Rating (Optional)




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.