Blueberry Basil Soda Spritzer

I am getting so tired of winter and I’m starting to long for spring and summer and the longer, warm days. To help get me through the next few months, I needed something refreshing to drink that would at least remind me of warmer temps and sunny days.

Enter this blueberry basil soda spritzer. When I have one of these, I can totally imagine that I’m sitting on the deck under the warm sun!

It has an amazing fresh flavor. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and the hint of basil adds a fresh brightness that really makes you think of summer.

It’s really simple to make, too. Basically, you’re making an infused simple syrup.

Just add blueberries and basil to sugar and water and bring it to a boil. Then, let it sit and steep so that all of those fresh flavors combine.

I will then just add a little of the syrup to a glass of ice and top it off with club soda and  *voila* – summer in a glass!! You can totally kick this one up a notch and add some vodka or gin for a refreshing cocktail. But, even without the alcohol it’s a pretty amazing beverage.

Blueberry Basil Soda Spritzer

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup blueberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn
• club soda
• ice

Making the Blueberry Basil Simple Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a small sauce pan (less the club soda and ice).

Crush the blueberries with the back of a wooden spoon or a fork.

Bring mixture to a boil and boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat and let sit for 30 minutes.

Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Store in the refrigerator in a tightly covered container.

Preparing the Spritzer

To make spritzer, fill a 16-20 oz glass with ice. Add 3 tbsp blueberry basil syrup and then fill the glass with club soda, stirring to combine.

Garnish with blueberries, if desired.

ENJOY!