Non-alcoholic Pairing For One Recipe

Make honey syrup (if not ready)

If you don't have honey syrup prepared, combine equal parts honey and very hot water (1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp hot water), stir until dissolved, then let cool to room temperature before using.

Chill a tall Collins or highball glass in the freezer for 3–5 minutes or fill it with ice while you prepare other components.

Add cracked ice to the chilled glass until about 3/4 full (roughly 1 cup cracked ice).

In a small mixing glass or shaker (no ice required), gently clap the basil leaves between your palms once to release aroma, then add them to the mixing glass along with the elderflower cordial and honey syrup. Muddle lightly with the back of a spoon or a muddler 3–4 times — just enough to bruise the basil and lift its aroma without making it bitter.

Add the fresh orange juice (2 oz) and fresh lemon juice (1/2 oz) to the muddled basil mixture and give it a gentle stir to combine.

Strain the citrus-herb mixture over the ice in the prepared glass to keep most herb fragments out of the final drink.

Top with chilled sparkling water (8 oz). Pour slowly to preserve bubbles and avoid overflow.

If using, add 3 drops of a non‑alcoholic bitter/aperitif to the top of the drink for added complexity; stir once gently with a bar spoon to integrate.

Take the orange wheel and, over the drink, express the orange twist or zest by pinching it skin-side down so oils spray onto the surface. Run the orange wheel around the glass rim and drop it into the drink.

Garnish with the thyme sprig tucked into the glass and the muddled basil leaf placed on top. Give one short gentle stir (1–2 turns) to bring aromas up to the nose.

Serve immediately with a straw if desired. Pair as a thoughtful non-alcoholic accompaniment to a light appetizer or dessert — service and tax included.