I must be ready for Summer, because I want strawberry flavored EVERYTHING! We planted a few strawberry plants about a month ago and we are already enjoying a few berries every couple of days. Picked from the garden, they are perfection, so sweet and juicy.

A strawberry mocktail is definitely Summer in a glass. And you know how much a love a fruit and herb combo. Basil gives this drink a fun earthy twist. This drink is on the sweeter side, so salt rim is kind of nice.

Strawberry Basil Mock-Margarita

• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 cup sugar
• lemon/lime soda
• lime juice
• strawberries, basil, salt and lime slices for garnish

Start be making the Strawberry Basil Syrup. In a food processor, pulse strawberries, basil and sugar. Pour the puree into a small pot, and add lemon juice. Bring to a boil, and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 3 minutes. Cool completely, and pour through a metal sieve. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

Rim a glass with salt and then fill with ice, squeeze the juice of half a lime, add one part Strawberry Basil Syrup to two parts lemon/lime soda (sprite or sierra mist). Stir and garnish.

If you are locking for a real margarita recipe and think that maybe the tequila is missing, you can check out this recipe.