Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Fresh Lime Juice
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1 cup (240 ml) Water
  • 1/2 cup (100g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Sparkling Water or Club Soda (Optional)

Instructions:

  1. Create the Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. Infuse the Basil: Place the cooled simple syrup and the fresh basil leaves into a blender. Pulse 3-4 times, just enough to bruise the leaves and release their oils, but do not blend until smooth. Let steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the Syrup: Pour the basil-infused syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a mixing bowl, pressing lightly on the basil solids to extract maximum flavour. Discard the solids.
  4. Combine Liquids: Whisk the strained basil syrup, fresh lime juice, and orange juice into the bowl. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tartness.
  5. Add Effervescence (Optional Step): Gently stir in the sparkling water or club soda.
  6. Fill the Moulds: Carefully pour the liquid mixture into the popsicle moulds, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top for expansion. Insert the sticks.
  7. Freeze: Place moulds in the freezer. Freeze for a minimum of 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until completely solid.
  8. Unmould and Serve: To release the pops, briefly run the outside of the mould under warm running water. Serve immediately.