Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

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Cool off with a fresh take on a classic cocktail. The Strawberry Basil Smash combines sweet summer berries with aromatic herbs for a refreshing drink.

This easy recipe needs just five ingredients: fresh strawberries, basil leaves, simple syrup, lime juice, and your choice of vodka or gin.

The bright red color and garden-fresh garnish make this drink perfect for outdoor parties and backyard gatherings. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries pairs perfectly with the peppery notes of fresh basil.

Mix up this drink in under 5 minutes using basic bar tools.

The muddling technique releases the essential oils from the basil and breaks down the strawberries to create a balanced blend of flavors.

Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

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This refreshing cocktail mixes sweet strawberries with fragrant basil and smooth vodka for a perfect spring or summer drink.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Collins glass
• Ice

Ingredients

• 6 fresh strawberries sliced
• 4-5 fresh basil leaves
• 2 oz vodka
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• Club soda
• Ice cubes
• Extra strawberry and basil for garnish

Instructions

• Place sliced strawberries and basil leaves in the cocktail shaker.
• Muddle gently until strawberries release their juice and basil becomes fragrant.
• Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
• Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
• Fill a Collins glass with fresh ice.
• Double strain the mixture into the glass.
• Top with club soda and stir gently.
• Garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil leaf.

Notes

Store-bought simple syrup works well, but making it at home is easy. Mix equal parts sugar and water in a pot, heat until sugar dissolves, then cool.

Fresh strawberries make the best cocktail. Frozen ones can work in a pinch but may create a thicker texture.

The drink stays fresh for about 1 hour. After that, the basil may start to brown and the flavors might change.

Make a non-alcoholic version by replacing vodka with extra club soda.

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Tasting Notes

The Strawberry Basil Smash cocktail offers bright, fresh flavors that blend sweet and herbal notes.

Fresh strawberries create a natural sweetness that pairs well with the crisp, peppery taste of basil.

The drink starts with a sweet berry aroma mixed with fresh garden herbs. Each sip brings forward the natural sugars of ripe strawberries, followed by the cooling touch of basil.

The texture is smooth and refreshing. Ice-cold gin adds a clean, botanical backbone that supports the fruit and herb combination without taking over.

Flavor Profile Highlights:

• Primary: Sweet strawberry
• Secondary: Fresh basil
• Base Notes: Botanical gin
• Finish: Clean and bright

The cocktail maintains a good balance between sweet and savory elements. Sugar and citrus work together to complement both the fruit and herbs, creating a drink that’s not too sweet.

A gentle tartness from fresh lemon juice adds brightness and keeps the flavors lively. The finish is clean with lingering hints of strawberry and garden herbs.

Substitute

You can swap ingredients in this cocktail to create new flavor combinations. For example, replace strawberries with raspberries, blackberries, or peaches for different fruit flavors.

If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use mint leaves instead. The mint creates a refreshing twist while keeping the drink’s bright taste.

For a non-alcoholic version, skip the vodka and add extra club soda. Then, mix in a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness.

Alternative spirit options:

• Gin for a botanical taste
• White rum for tropical notes
• Tequila for a Mexican-inspired twist

Want less sugar? Use sugar-free simple syrup or skip it completely. The natural sweetness from the fruit might be enough.

Looking for a different fizz? Try these swaps for club soda:

• Prosecco
• Ginger beer
• Sparkling water
• Sprite or 7-Up

The cocktail works well with frozen fruit when fresh isn’t available. Just add an extra piece or two since frozen fruit can be less flavorful.

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