Garden Elixir

The best alcohol-free drinks don't try to mimic booze. They stand on their own with layers of flavor that make you forget the question entirely. This fizz does exactly that, built on a foundation of strong-brewed white tea that brings the kind of body and subtle tannins you'd expect from a spirit-forward cocktail. Muddled basil and cucumber create an herbaceous, cooling base that tastes like summer in a garden, while lime juice cuts through with bright acidity. The real magic happens when you add that dash of sea salt. It sounds minimal, but it transforms the whole drink, pulling the flavors into sharper focus and adding a savory complexity that keeps each sip interesting. Top it all with bubbly tonic or sparkling water for a crisp, fizzy finish. This is the kind of drink you want on a warm afternoon when you need something refreshing but substantial, or at dinner when you're driving home but still want something special in your glass. Pour yourself one and taste what happens when you build a drink around flavor instead of proof.