Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lively cocktail that combines the herbal aroma of fresh mint and basil with the bright citrus of blood orange, all over a base of Aperol. This Italian-inspired recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, brings together Sugar, Water, Fresh mint leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 75 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Serves 1 Italian cuisine 75 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, 10 fresh mint leaves, and 5 fresh basil leaves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Remove from heat and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain into a clean jar and cool completely.
  3. Step 3: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz Aperol, 1/2 oz cooled herbal syrup, and 4 oz sparkling water.
  4. Step 4: Shake gently for 10 seconds to chill, then strain into a chilled glass filled with ice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz?

Refrigerate any leftover herb-infused citrus fizz in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb-Infused Citrus Fizz?

Italian cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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