Refreshing Basil Grapefruit Lime Soda Recipe

There are summer drinks—and then there are showstoppers.
This basil, grapefruit, and lime soda is both. Lightly sparkling, flavoured with honey, and infused with a homemade basil-grapefruit syrup, this drink is the kind you pour once, and your guests ask for the recipe before the first sip is over.

It’s got layers.
Fresh basil gives it an herbal twist. Grapefruit brings the citrus bite. Lime cuts through with just enough acidity. And the honey ties everything together with warmth and smoothness. Served cold over ice, it’s refreshing in the gentlest way. A balanced, beautiful, and satisfying.

Whether you’re hosting a weekend lunch or simply want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this drink does more than quench thirst. It impresses. Place the pitcher or individual glasses on your lunch table, and watch how quickly they draw attention. The pale blush of the drink, flecked with green basil and citrus slices, is almost too pretty to drink—almost.

But once they do, the flavor lingers. Light, herbal, citrusy, with that mellow kiss of honey. A drink they’ll remember, and one you’ll want to make on repeat.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Serves: 5-6

Ingredients:

Basil-Grapefruit Syrup

• Ruby red grapefruits (large) 2
• Sugar (about ½ cup) 100 grams
• Honey 2 tablespoons
• Fresh basil leaves 12–15
• Water 200 ml

For the soda:

• Juice of 2 limes
• Sparkling water or club soda (chilled) 600 ml
• Ice cubes
• Extra basil leaves + grapefruit/lime slices for garnish

Instructions:

1. Zest both grapefruits into a saucepan, then juice them (you should get roughly 250–300 ml of juice).
2. Add the sugar, honey, basil leaves, and water to the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
3. Let it bubble for 7–8 minutes until slightly reduced and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow it to steep for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain out the basil and zest, and pour the syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle. Let it cool completely. Refrigerate for up to a week.
5. In a jug, mix the cooled basil-grapefruit syrup with the lime juice. Add sparkling water just before serving for maximum fizz.
6. Fill glasses with ice, then pour the soda mixture over them. Garnish with basil, a slice of grapefruit, and a twist of lime.