In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the strawberries, basil leaves, and sugar.

Muddle with the back of a wooden spoon until the strawberries release their juice and the basil darkens slightly, about 1 minute.

Stir in the lime juice, cover, and let the mixture macerate in the fridge for 30 minutes so the flavors blend.

Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean pitcher, pressing on the solids to extract all the juice, then discard the pulp.

Fill eight glasses with ice and divide the strawberry basil base evenly among them.

Top each glass with club soda, pouring slowly so the fizz does not overflow.

Garnish each glass with a strawberry slice and a basil leaf, and serve right away while it is still fizzing.