A drinking vinegar. Non-alcoholic, sharp and refreshing, and nobody expects it.
Drinking vinegar have been around for centuries and are having a proper revival, because a splash of something sour in soda water is far more interesting than a soft drink. Start with less than you think and work up, this is not a mixer you pour with a heavy hand.
Method
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Fill a tall glass with ice.
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Add the balsamic and the honey, if using, and stir until the honey has dissolved. Doing this before the soda goes in is the only way to get it to mix.
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Top with soda water and stir once gently from the bottom up.
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Squeeze in the lime, add the herb sprig, and taste.
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Adjust from there. If it is too sharp add soda, if it is flat add another 5 ml of balsamic. Everyone's tolerance for this is different and the first glass is calibration.
Tips
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Start at 15 ml. It is much easier to add more than to rescue a glass that bites.
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A rosemary sprig suits it better than mint if you want it to read savoury rather than sweet.
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For an alcoholic version, add 30 ml of gin, the botanicals and the vinegar work well together.