Thai Basil Lime Agua Fresca

I’ve been posting about Thai basil all week, and here’s a final recipe honoring one of my favorite herbs. Perfect for the seemingly constant heatwaves that have been hitting DC lately. An amazingly refreshing agua fresca—a little sweet, a little tart, and packed with flavor from the Thai basil. This is one recipe where other varieties of basil can be readily substituted if that’s what you have in abundance. It’s exactly the drink I want to sip on during a hot summer day. Plus, it’s ridiculously simple to make and boasts a vibrant, glowing green color, making it a fantastic option to serve to guests.

While many people reach for carbonated drinks to cool off, this agua fresca offers a fresher and more natural alternative, free from artificial sweeteners and excessive sugar. Its light and herbal flavor makes it just as refreshing, without the heaviness or bloating that sometimes comes with fizzy beverages.

For an extra twist, you can experiment by adding sparkling water for a subtle fizz or even mixing it with other fruits like pineapple or watermelon for a tropical touch. Serve it over ice, garnish with a sprig of fresh basil, and enjoy a naturally cooling drink that stands out from the usual summer refreshment options.

Thai Basil Lime Agua Fresca (adapted from Thai Cooking With Jam)
Yield: 4 – 6 drinks

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Thai basil leaves
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup lime juice*
• 2 cups simple syrup**
• sparkling water

*Fresh-squeezed is ideal – you’ll need about 4 – 6 limes.
**To make 2 cups simple syrup, combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar, then bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved.

Method:

1. In a blender or using an immersion blender, combine 4 cups Thai basil leaves, 1/2 – 3/4 cup lime juice, and 2 cups simple syrup, and blend until smooth.
2. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined colander.
3. Mix with sparkling water at a 1:2 (mix:water) ratio for drinks, and store any remaining mix in the refrigerator until ready to use.