Orange Basil Bellini Mocktails - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup fresh basil leaf, plus more for garnish
1 orange
1 (1 liter) bottle sparkling water (or seltzer)

Preparation

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water and sugar and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat, add the basil, and let cool. Strain out the basil and refrigerate until ready to use. Syrup will last up to 2 weeks in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
Slice 1/4-inch thick slice from the center of the orange. Slice that into quarters and set aside for garnish. Squeeze the juice from the 2 remaining halves into a bowl.
Pour 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1 tablespoon basil simple syrup into a champagne flute. Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with a slice of orange and a basil leaf.