I’m always looking for new ways to jazz up familiar drinks. A Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail is a refreshing way to enjoy sweet strawberries, tangy lemonade, and fresh basil, all in one glass.

This drink is easy to make and adds a pop of color to any table. The taste is sweet, tart, and a little herby.

I find it great for warm days, simple get-togethers, or just unwinding after work. You can make this recipe in a few steps with ingredients you probably have on hand.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

Fresh strawberries, basil, and lemon juice make this cocktail taste bright and clean. The recipe’s pretty simple, and I can pull it together at home with basic tools and ingredients.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker or large jar with a lid
Muddler or wooden spoon

Strainer
Citrus juicer
Measuring cup and spoons

Tall glass or mason jar for serving
Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

For one serving, I use the following:

Fresh strawberries 3-4 medium

Fresh basil leaves 2-3 leaves
Lemon juice fresh 2 oz (60 ml)
Simple syrup 1 oz 30 ml

Vodka 1.5 oz 45 ml
Club soda To top
Ice cubes As needed

Instructions

I put the strawberries and basil in the shaker.
Then I use a muddler or wooden spoon to crush them until they’re juicy and fragrant.
I add ice, lemon juice, simple syrup, and vodka into the shaker.

Lid goes on, and I shake it up for about 10-15 seconds.
I strain it into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
Top with club soda and stir gently.

Garnish with a basil leaf and a strawberry slice if I’m feeling fancy.

If I want to make a big batch, I just multiply the ingredients and mix everything except the soda ahead of time. I wait to add the soda until I’m ready to serve.

Notes

I always go for ripe strawberries—they give the drink a bright color and fresh flavor. If I can’t get fresh basil, I just skip it; dried basil really changes the taste, and not in a good way.

For a non-alcoholic version, I leave out the vodka and add a splash of lemonade or a bit more soda. This cocktail’s best when it’s cold, so I use plenty of ice and serve it right after mixing.

If the balance isn’t quite right, I taste and tweak—more simple syrup if I want it sweeter, more lemon juice if it needs a kick. For a stronger basil vibe, I muddle the leaves a bit longer or toss in an extra one.

I don’t recommend making it way ahead of time because those fresh flavors start to fade after a few hours. It’s really a make-and-enjoy kind of drink.

Must Have Ingredients

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Tasting Notes

That first sip? The bright sweetness from the strawberries hits right away. The fruit brings a gentle, natural flavor that balances out the tartness of the lemon.

The basil comes through crisp and fragrant. It’s fresh and herbal, noticeable but not overpowering.

I get a light, clean finish as everything blends together. There’s a soft tang from the lemonade, which works nicely with the smooth strawberry taste.

The cocktail goes down smooth and easy. The sweetness and tartness don’t fight each other, so every sip’s pretty enjoyable.

The color’s a bright pink, with a pop of green from the basil leaves. It just looks inviting in the glass, honestly.

Substitute

Sometimes, I run low on certain ingredients or just want to shake up the flavor a bit. Here are some easy swaps I use for the Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail.

Fruit Substitutes:

Strawberries: I’ll grab raspberries or blackberries if that’s what I have. Both bring a nice berry kick and honestly, they blend in pretty well.
Lemon: No lemons left? Lime juice steps in. The drink gets a slightly different kind of tartness, but it’s still good.

Herb Swap:

If basil’s missing from my fridge, I just reach for mint. Mint’s got that fresh vibe and it’s almost always around.

Alcohol Options:

No vodka in sight? Sometimes I’ll use gin for a more herbal note, or rum if I’m feeling like something sweeter.

For a non-alcoholic version, I just skip the booze. Usually, I add more lemonade or toss in a splash of sparkling water.

I like to taste as I go—honestly, it’s the only way I get it right. If I’m trying something new, I’ll start with just a little and add more if it feels off.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade Cocktail Recipe