There’s something magical about the final stretch of summer, the golden evenings, the scent of the bumper crop of basil in the garden, the way even a simple glass of something zesty and fizzy can feel like a celebration. At Interior Delights, we’re all about making these little everyday moments beautiful, and today we’re sharing one of our favorite ways to savor summer: our Sparkling Amalfi Lemon & Basil Refresher.
It’s crisp, it’s bright, it’s loaded with real ingredients, and it looks absolutely adorable in our favorite lemon-themed home decor pieces. Whether you’re hosting a backyard brunch, lounging on the porch swing, or just in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, this drink is a vibe. And did we mention? Every lemon product purchase from our shop comes with a free lemon tree right now (while supplies last)... so you can keep that citrus charm going all year round. And now, we unveil our secret recipe just for you!
Sparkling Amalfi Lemon & Basil Refresher
This drink is the definition of simple luxury—refreshing, fizzy, and infused with sun-drenched flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 fresh lemons (about ½ cup juice)
- 6 basil leaves
- 6 mint leaves
- 2 tsp ginger paste or a few thin slices of fresh ginger
- 6 cups sparkling water
- 2 Tbsp honey or agave
- Ice, for serving
- Garnishes: lemon slices, mint, or basil sprigs
Step 1: Juice the Sunshine
Start by juicing your lemons until you have about half a cup of fresh juice. This is your base—the bright, tangy heart of the drink. We like to squeeze ours straight into the Lemon Print Bubble Glass Pitcher (available in our Summer Favorites collection) for easy cleanup. If you’re not a fan of seeds, just use a strainer as you pour. We want flavor, not crunch.
Step 2: Grab the Herbs
Next, grab six basil leaves and six mint leaves. Slice them with a knife to release their fragrant oils. We love snipping ours fresh from the Scalloped Edge Cement Planter—it’s a charming little pot that looks gorgeous in a sunny kitchen window. If you’ve never tried fresh herbs in a drink before, this will be your new obsession. Toss those fragrant leaves into the pitcher.
Step 3: A Touch of Ginger
Thinly slice a few rounds of fresh ginger, or add about 2 teaspoons of ginger paste for a quick shortcut. This step is optional, but it adds just the right amount of warmth and zing, perfect for balancing out the bright citrus and sweet honey.
Step 4: Bubbles & Sweetness
Pour in 6 cups of sparkling water. This is where the magic happens—watch those bubbles rise and dance with the herbs and citrus. Add 2 tablespoons of honey or agave (or more to taste if you like it sweeter), and give everything a good stir. We love using our Stainless Steel Whisk with Wooden Handle for this part—it’s functional, pretty, and sturdy enough to handle even thick honey.We love using our Stainless Steel Whisk with Wooden Handle for this part—it’s functional, pretty, and sturdy enough to handle even thick honey.
Step 5: Chill & Infuse
Cover your pitcher and pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours. This lets the flavors meld and mellow into the perfect summer sip. When you’re ready to serve, pour the refresher over ice in our Lemon Print Drinking Glasses. Add a garnish of lemon, mint, or a little sprig of basil—then sit back and sip your way through the sunshine.
Whether you’re hosting girlfriends on the patio, planning an end-of-summer picnic, or just want to make an ordinary Tuesday sparkle, this drink brings so much charm to the moment. And when you pair it with our favorite lemony pieces from the shop? It’s downright delightful. Surround your setup with candle rings on taper candles to infuse a gentle, aromatic glow that enhances the summery vibe.
Set the pitcher on the table, slip off your sandals, and let the quiet joy of the moment settle in. You don’t need a grand occasion to create something beautiful—just intention, a little lemon, and a love for the people you share it with. As author Hannah Whitten reminds us, “It’s the small moments that are the most meaningful. The quiet ones, the ordinary ones, the ones you never expect.”
This is the heart of being a Beautymaker—crafting warmth and welcome in the simplest of ways. Whether it’s fresh herbs from your windowsill or a fizzy drink poured with care, you’re creating beauty that tells others: you’re seen, you’re loved, you belong.
Here’s to lingering in the last light of summer, to details that delight, and to squeezing out every last golden drop.
