Cranberry Basil Sparkling Water Cocktail

Are you looking for alcoholic drinks to make with sparkling water? Sparkling water cocktails are a healthy drink choice and low in calories. Plus, nothing is more satisfying than a fizzy alcoholic drink (or a mocktail) on a hot summer day or to celebrate a special occasion.

You can make this cranberry basil version with a few simple ingredients. The results will taste like the spiked seltzers you see in stores. But, better because yours will be made at home with all-natural ingredients!

Cranberry Basil Sparkling Water Cocktail Recipe 

Ingredients 

• 1.5 oz. vodka (optional)
• 6 oz. cranberry juice
• 4 oz. Sparkling Water
• 2 large fresh basil leaves
• ice
• lime wedge

Directions

1. Crush or mull the basil in the bottom of a glass.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir gently.
3. Garnish with the lime wedge.

How many calories are in sparkling water cocktails? 

Since sparkling water has no calories, the nutritional content depends on what you add. This recipe, for example, has about 177 calories which come from the vodka and cranberry juice.

• 2 ounces of vodka: 98 calories 
• 5 ounces cranberry juice: 79 calories

Considering that the average cocktail has well over 200 calories, this is a healthy option. Try low-sugar cranberry juice for an even slimmer drink. For an added benefit, sparkling water helps you feel full! 

Mocktail recipes

Prefer a non-alcoholic spritzer? Skip the vodka and make up the missing ounces in equal parts sparkling water and cranberry juice. Don’t forget the lime to give your mocktail even more flavor (and it will look pretty). 

Have more basil to use? Try this, “Easy Lemon Basil Hard Seltzer” recipe.

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