Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Looking for a refreshing summer cocktail with a perfect balance of sweet and savory?

The Strawberry Basil Smash cocktail combines the bright flavors of fresh strawberries with aromatic basil for a drink that will impress at any gathering.

This simple yet elegant cocktail requires just a few ingredients: fresh strawberries, basil leaves, your choice of spirit, simple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice.

Muddling the basil and strawberries releases their essential oils and juices, creating a fragrant and flavorful base.

The Strawberry Basil Smash works wonderfully with vodka for a clean taste.

Try gin for herbal notes or white rum for a tropical twist.

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.

Tasting Notes

The Strawberry Basil Smash cocktail offers a bright, refreshing flavor that balances sweet and herbal notes.

The first sip delivers the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with a gentle tartness.

Fresh basil adds an aromatic herbal quality that cuts through the sweetness.

The herb’s slight peppery notes create complexity without overwhelming the strawberry.

Primary Flavors:

• Sweet, ripe strawberry
• Aromatic basil
• Citrus brightness
• Underlying spirit warmth

The texture is smooth and invigorating, with pleasant weight from the muddled fruit.

Ice dilution helps blend the flavors and keeps the drink crisp.

The finish leaves a clean, slightly sweet aftertaste with lingering hints of basil.

Serve this cocktail very cold for the best experience.

As it warms, the basil notes become more pronounced and the strawberry flavor softens.

The vibrant red color with green basil flecks highlights the fresh flavors inside.

Substitutes

Can’t find all the ingredients for a Strawberry Basil Smash? Don’t worry!

There are simple swaps you can use.

Fruit Substitutions:

• Use raspberries or blackberries instead of strawberries.
• Frozen berries work when fresh ones aren’t available.
• Try peaches or nectarines for a different summer flavor.

Herb Alternatives:

• Use mint leaves instead of basil for a more traditional flavor.
• Try thyme or rosemary for an herbaceous twist. Use about 1-2 sprigs.

Liquor Options:

• Swap in bourbon instead of vodka for a deeper flavor.
• Use white rum for a tropical twist.
• Gin pairs well with the herb notes.

Sweetener Changes:

• Use honey syrup (mix equal parts honey and hot water).
• Agave nectar works too.
• Simple syrup is a good substitute if you don’t have raw sugar.

Non-Alcoholic Version:

1. Skip the vodka.
2. Add extra soda water or lemonade.
3. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for complexity.

Sharing is caring!