I typically don't drink soda when I go out to a restaurant, but when I saw this Basil Cucumber Soda on the menu at California Pizza Kitchen, I knew I had to try it.
I was invited to the restaurant to try out the new menu items at CPK. All opinions are my own. Recipe provided by CPK.
This Basil Cucumber Soda from CPK is so refreshing and only a little sweet. I just knew that I had to make it at home.
It's a great drink to make when you want something other than water but it's not time for cocktails yet. The flavors were not overpowering and not something you usually find in soda.
This would be the perfect thing to serve at a baby shower, bridal shower, spa day, or just because.
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You're Going to Love This Basil Cucumber Soda Recipe!
I'm a big fan of CPK and when they opened a new restaurant right by my house, you know I had to check it out and eat all the things.
This Cucumber Cooler sounded unbelievably refreshing and seemed pretty easy to make too. And aside from the simple syrup, it's not super bad for you, unlike regular sodas.
California Pizza Kitchen's Next Chapter Menu
If you haven't heard of the Next Chapter menu, or know about the changes that are happening to the CPK (or you may know it as California Pizza Kitchen) restaurants you need to go check it out for yourself.
While the interior design of the locations is being updated with gorgeous woods, metal touches, and a fresh, California feel, the menu has also gotten some updating.
Of course, your old favorites can still be found, but the restaurant group is really moving towards fresh, seasonal-inspired dishes.
There are yummy new salads, heartier steak and fish dishes, and a lovely section of small plates that are perfect for happy hour.
This Brussels Sprouts and Bacon flatbread is my favorite and inspired my own Brussels Sprouts Pizza recipe. I've had it no less than 6 times in the past month and a ½.
Take that, cellulite.
I've had CPK cookbooks in the past. But the recipes always had way too many steps for me to try to make them at home.
This book, Taste of the Seasons, is different. Its focus is on seasonal recipes like the ones that are rolling out in restaurants.
These seem SO much easier to make and I'm totally capable of making these for myself at home. It includes the recipe for the Brussels Sprouts flatbread.
The cucumber soda recipe is in there too (although they don't serve this in the restaurants).
You can pick up this cookbook from a local restaurant.
The Cucumber Basil Soda recipe is delish. It's delicious made as written but it would also be great with a splash of gin or vodka.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 12 large basil leaves
- 9 cups of soda water
How to Make Basil Cucumber Soda
- In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved and the mixture just comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl muddle, the cucumber and basil leaves with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add to the hot syrup.
- Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup, pressing the solids through a fine-mesh strainer to release the flavors.
- Discard solids.
- For each serving, combine 3 tablespoons of the syrup with ¾ cup soda water in an ice-filled glass.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and a basil leaf.
More Seasonal Cocktails
The cocktails at CPK also feature seasonal recipes and fresh ingredients. The blood orange sangria was so tasty but only on the menu for a short time!
I wanted to drink buckets of it when I tried it.
These more craft-inspired cocktails are delicious, super well-balanced, and totally tasty.
I didn't expect to like the California Roots cocktail as much as I did considering one of the main ingredients is avocado. But it was crazy good.
The fennel salt rim absolutely made this drink.
New Earthy, California-Inspired Decor
The updated decor features rustic woods and has an earthy, masculine feel. The whole vibe is fresh and perfectly matches the new menu items.
The new CPK is a new, old favorite for my family.
This tasty Basil Cucumber Soda recipe is easy to make and a delicious non-alcoholic drink idea that your whole family will love.
Related Recipes
- This Mulled Cider Recipe is a great warm drink for the family.
- Your kids will like this fruity Non-Alcoholic Sangria recipe.
- This Banana Oat Smoothie Recipe is a great way to start the day.
- How yummy does this Blackberry Soda sound from Jordan's Easy Entertaining.
- If you have been wanting to try out a Soda Stream, check out Marisa's review!
Cucumber Basil Soda
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 medium cucumber thinly sliced
- 12 large basil leaves
- 9 cups of soda water chilled ice
- cucumber slices and fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan combine sugar and water over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until sugar is dissolved and mixture just comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl muddle the cucumber and basil leaves with the back of a wooden spoon.
- Add to the hot syrup.
- Cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the syrup, pressing the solids through a fine-mesh strainer to release the flavors.
- Discard solids.
- For each serving, combine 3 tablespoons of the syrup with ¾ cup soda water in an ice-filled glass.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with cucumber slices and a basil leaf.
- Note: Cucumber-basil syrup can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- (I don't love super sweet drinks so I cut the sugar to ½ cups with 1 cup of water and it was still a smidge on the sweeter side for me)
Nutrition
This post was originally published on September 28, 2015, and has now been updated.
Tiffany Wegman says
Do you happen to know the recipe for cpk cucumber reviver??
Sharon Garofalow says
No I don't! Sorry! But it sounds delicious!!!