A refreshing twist on classic cocktails, the Strawberry Basil Smash combines sweet summer berries with aromatic herbs.
This drink mixes fresh strawberries, fragrant basil leaves, lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka to create a bright and balanced cocktail perfect for warm spring days.
The combination of strawberry and basil might seem unusual at first, but these ingredients complement each other perfectly.
The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs with the peppery notes of fresh basil to create something special.
This easy-to-make cocktail requires basic ingredients and simple techniques.
A muddler helps release the flavors, while a quick shake with ice brings everything together in under 5 minutes.
Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Rocks glass
- Measuring jigger
- Small knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 4-5 fresh strawberries plus 1 for garnish
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves plus 1 sprig for garnish
- 2 oz vodka or gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Club soda optional
Instructions
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Cut them into quarters.
- Place strawberry pieces and basil leaves in the cocktail shaker. Muddle gently until the strawberries release their juice.
- Add vodka or gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Double strain the mixture into the glass to remove any fruit pulp or herb pieces.
- Top with a splash of club soda if desired.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil sprig.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
The Strawberry Basil Smash brings a perfect mix of sweet and herbal notes. Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness while muddled basil leaves create a bright, aromatic element.
Each sip starts with a burst of fresh strawberry flavor. The taste then moves to the crisp botanical notes from the gin, followed by the garden-fresh basil.
The drink has a light and refreshing texture. Ice dilution helps balance the sweetness and creates a smooth, easy-drinking cocktail.
Key Flavor Notes:
- Sweet strawberry
- Fresh basil
- Citrus
- Botanical gin
- Light mint undertones
The cocktail’s color is a pretty pink-red shade. Small bits of muddled strawberry and torn basil leaves float throughout the drink, adding visual appeal.
A gentle stir before each sip helps blend the flavors. The taste stays consistent from first sip to last, with neither the fruit nor herbs becoming too strong.
Substitute
You can swap ingredients in this cocktail to match what you have on hand. Replace strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or muddled peaches for a different fruit flavor.
No fresh basil? Use mint leaves instead. The drink will have a different taste but still stays refreshing. You can also try other herbs like thyme or rosemary.
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and use sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. This creates a tasty mocktail anyone can enjoy.
Alternative spirits to try:
- Gin
- White rum
- Tequila blanco
Need a different sweetener? Trade simple syrup for:
- Honey
- Agave nectar
- Maple syrup
Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. For extra tang, mix in some lime juice with the lemon juice.
