Shaken Kiwi-Basil Coconut Highball

Verdant Frequency

45 minutes total · Easy · Makes 4

Ripe kiwi, cool coconut water and fresh basil pulse through a vivid green highball with bright lime and a fine, lively sparkle.

15 minutes to mix30 minutes to chill4 finished drinks

What you’ll need

3 ripe green kiwis, peeled and roughly chopped, plus 1 thin kiwi wheel per drink for garnish
12 fresh basil leaves, plus 1 small basil sprig per drink for garnish
90 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
45 ml pure agave syrup
480 ml chilled unsweetened coconut water
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
240 ml chilled plain soda water
Clear ice spears or large ice cubes

Blend the chopped kiwi, basil leaves, lime juice, agave syrup and 120 ml of the coconut water for 10 seconds, just until the fruit is broken down.
Fine-strain the mixture into a pitcher, pressing gently with the back of a spoon. Leave a few kiwi seeds in the liquid for a natural speckled look, but discard the thick pulp.
Stir in the remaining 360 ml coconut water and the sea salt until fully combined.
Cover and chill the kiwi-basil base for 30 minutes so the flavours settle and the drink reaches serving temperature.
For each drink, add 175 ml of the chilled base to a shaker with ice. Shake firmly for 8 seconds, then strain into the prepared glass.
Top each glass with 60 ml soda water and stir once from the bottom to preserve the bubbles.

The glass, temperature and first aroma all shape the drink. Set those details before the final pour.

Use a tall, well-chilled highball or Collins glass for the cleanest green presentation.
Add one clear ice spear or two large cubes immediately before pouring so the drink stays cold without diluting quickly.
Garnish with one thin kiwi wheel and a small upright basil sprig; gently tap the basil between your palms first to release its aroma.
Serve at once, very cold, while the soda is lively and the basil aroma is fresh.

At the table

Crispy sesame cauliflower bites with lime

Chilled coconut noodles with cucumber and herbs

Vegan pistachio-cardamom shortbread

Estimated per drink

Each drink provides fruit-derived vitamin C and a modest amount of fibre; values vary with kiwi size and coconut-water brand.

Estimates vary with ingredient brands, substitutions and serving size.