Looking for a drink that feels elevated, refreshing, and just a little bit fancy—without the sugar overload? This Strawberry Basil Shrub Mocktail is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and herbaceous. It’s made with a simple homemade shrub concentrate and naturally sweetened with Lakanto Cane Sugar with Monk Fruit Sweetener, so you can sip something special while keeping sugar in check.
Whether you're hosting brunch, planning a spring gathering, or just want a better-for-you beverage to enjoy at home, this mocktail delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
What Is a Shrub?
If you’re new to shrubs, think of them as a fruit-infused drinking vinegar. They’ve been used for centuries as a way to preserve fruit—and today, they’re making a comeback in cocktails and mocktails thanks to their bright, complex flavor.
In this recipe, strawberries bring natural sweetness, basil adds a fresh herbal note, and apple cider vinegar gives that signature tangy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lower sugar: Sweetened with Lakanto instead of traditional sugar
Simple to make ahead: The shrub concentrate stores beautifully in the fridge
Versatile: Use it for mocktails, cocktails, or even as a drizzle over fruit
Refreshing & unique: A perfect alternative to sugary sodas or juices
Ingredients
Shrub Concentrate (Yields 1 cup)
- 1 cup strawberries, halved
- 1/3 cup Lakanto Cane Sugar with Monk Fruit Sweetener
- 1 cup cider vinegar
Mocktail
- 2 strawberries
- 2 fresh basil leaves
- ¾ oz shrub concentrate
- Ice
- 5 oz sparkling water or seltzer
How to Make It
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Shrub Concentrate
In a medium nonreactive saucepan, combine strawberries, Lakanto sweetener, and cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium to medium-high heat. Once boiling, remove from heat and let the mixture steep for about 20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
Strain into a heat-safe airtight container and refrigerate until fully chilled (about 4 hours). This is your shrub concentrate.
Step 2: Build the Mocktail
In a cocktail shaker or jar with a lid, add strawberries and basil. Muddle until the strawberries release their juices and the basil becomes fragrant.
Add the chilled shrub concentrate and a handful of ice. Seal and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
Strain or pour into a glass and top with sparkling water or seltzer. Give it a gentle stir and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
Make it a cocktail: Add a splash of gin or vodka for an easy upgrade
Swap the fruit: Try raspberries, peaches, or blackberries
Adjust to taste: Add more or less shrub depending on how tangy you like it
Garnish it up: Fresh basil, sliced strawberries, or a lemon wheel make it extra special
A Better-For-You Sip
This Strawberry Basil Shrub Mocktail is proof that you don’t need loads of sugar to create something delicious and satisfying. With Lakanto, you get the sweetness you love—without the crash.
Keep a batch of shrub concentrate in your fridge, and you’ll always be just a few minutes away from a refreshing, feel-good drink. Cheers! 🥂
