Orange Crush Mocktail with Basil

This Orange Crush Mocktail has an herby finish from fresh basil and just the right amount of sweetness and citrusy punch. These refreshing drinks will keep you cool all summer.

If you're looking for your new favorite drink for the season, you've found it. These mocktails skip the booze, but are big on flavor and refreshment. They're perfect for a cookout, or just a warm afternoon. Plus, this Sparkling Lemon Blackberry Mint Iced Tea recipe is a great refreshing drink to try next!

How to Make Orange Crush Mocktails

The first thing you need to make for these frosty drinks is an orange-basil infused simple syrup. You can make this in a small pot on the stove.

then, when your simple syrup is nice and cool, you can prepare the mocktails.

Orange-Basil Simple Syrup

Here's what you need for the mocktail simple syrup:

• Cane sugar. I like to use organic to ensure it's vegan, but you could use any granulated sugar you have on hand.
• Lime. Use a big, juicy lime to add a tart pop of flavor.
• Orange. I like to use a navel orange, but you could use any other kind of large, juicy citrus fruit.
• Orange zest. Make this with a Microplane or fine grater.
• Basil. You can add as much basil as you like!

Assembling the Orange Crush Mocktails

It's important that your simple syrup cool completely before you make the drinks. Hot syrup will melt the ice and your mocktails just won't be as fruity and refreshing.

To assemble the orange crush drinks, you'll need:

• Orange juice. Again, freshly squeezed will give you the best, sweetest flavor.
• Simple syrup
• Lime juice. For more tart flavor to cut through some of the sweetness of the syrup.
• Soda. You can use lemon soda or ginger beer to finish off the drinks with some bubbles.

Garnish Ideas

To tie your orange crush mocktails together, add a festive garnish! I like to serve these fruity drinks with big fresh orange slices and fresh basil leaves in the glass.

Can I Add Alcohol?

If you're serving someone who wants to turn these mocktails into a cocktail, it's easy. Simply add a shot of rum, vodka or gin per serving. Stir well and enjoy!

More Fruity Mocktail Recipes

• Frozen Peach Lime Margarita Mocktails
• Peachy Ginger Beer Mocktail
• Simple Apple White Grape Mocktail
• Strawberry Pomegranate Mocktail 
• Citrus and Honey Mocktail 

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you make this Orange Crush Mocktail, be sure to tag me on Instagram @orchidsandsweettea!

Orange Crush Mocktail with Basil

May 13, 2022 •

By Shanika

4.67 from 3 votes

These refreshing citrusy mocktails have a delicious herby finish and a frosty texture that's wonderfully refreshing.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 15 minutes mins

Serves: 1 serving

Units:

US Customary|Metric

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Ingredients

ORANGE-BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP:

• ¼ cup filtered water
• ¼ cup organic cane sugar
• 1 Navel orange, freshly-squeezed
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2-3 fresh basil leaves

MOCKTAILS:

• ½ cup freshly-squeezed orange juice
• ¼ cup orange-basil simple syrup
• 1 lime, freshly-squeezed
• Organic lemon soda or ginger beer, for topping

GARNISH:

• Crushed ice
• Orange slices
• Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

TO MAKE THE ORANGE-BASIL SIMPLE SYRUP:

• To begin, In a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water, orange juice, orange zest, sugar, and basil leaves, and let it begin to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before turning off heat and letting everything steep (while covered), about 5 minutes. Let cool completely.

TO MAKE THE MOCKTAILS:

• In a bowl, add the orange juice, cooled orange-basil simple syrup, and lime juice, stirring everything together until combined.
• TO ASSEMBLE: Add crushed ice to a glass, fill ¾ of the glass with the orange mocktail mixture, followed by the sliced oranges and basil leaves. Top with lemon soda or ginger beer. Repeat for every serving and enjoy!
• Sip and Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

SERVING: To make additional mocktails, simply double or triple ingredients, depending on need.

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 132g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 393mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 123g | Vitamin A: 332IU | Vitamin C: 84mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg

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Orange Crush Mocktail with Basil.

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