Looking for a fresh twist on alcohol-free drinks? This strawberry basil smash mocktail brings garden-fresh flavors to your glass.
The combination of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil creates a balanced drink that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
The simple recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make and needs just a few basic ingredients from the grocery store.
Kids and adults will enjoy this bright red drink that looks as good as it tastes.
This mocktail works great for backyard parties, baby showers, or any time you want something special without alcohol. The fresh ingredients make it taste like it came from an upscale restaurant.
Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Cocktail muddler
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Highball glass
- Measuring jigger
- Ice cube tray
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 3 fresh strawberries quartered
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 4 oz club soda
- Ice cubes
- Extra strawberry and basil leaf for garnish
Instructions
- Place strawberry pieces and basil leaves in the cocktail shaker.
- Muddle them together until the strawberries release their juice and the basil becomes fragrant.
- Add lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake for 10-15 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Top with club soda and stir gently.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry and basil leaf.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
| Image | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
 | Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail has a bright, sweet flavor balanced with herbal notes.
Fresh strawberries give the drink its natural sweetness and vibrant red color.
Fresh basil adds an aromatic, peppery taste that cuts through the sweetness. The herb creates a refreshing finish that lingers on the palate.
Lime juice brings a tart kick that makes the drink extra refreshing. The citrus works with the basil to keep the mocktail from being too sweet.
Key Flavor Elements:
- Sweet strawberry base
- Herbal basil notes
- Tart lime accent
- Clean, crisp finish
The texture is smooth with a light effervescence from the club soda. Small bits of muddled strawberry and basil add visual appeal and enhance the fresh flavors.
This drink tastes best when served very cold. The flavors blend together more as the ice melts, creating a mellower taste profile.
Serving Temperature: 35-40°F (2-4°C)
The mocktail offers a complex taste experience that starts sweet and ends refreshing. Each sip reveals layers of fruit, herb, and citrus notes.
Substitute
Other fruits can replace strawberries in this drink. Fresh raspberries, blackberries, or peaches work well. Each fruit creates a unique flavor with the basil.
The basil adds a fresh herb taste. Mint makes a good alternative when basil isn’t available. Rosemary or thyme can work too, though they give a different flavor profile.
For a sweeter drink without simple syrup, try adding maple syrup or agave nectar. Honey also works great as a natural sweetener.
Sparkling water brings the fizz. Try ginger ale or flavored sparkling water for extra taste. Regular water works fine too, but the drink won’t have bubbles.
Pro tip:Â Frozen fruit can replace fresh fruit. Let it thaw for 10 minutes before muddling.
Fresh lime juice adds tartness. Lemon juice makes a good backup option. Each citrus brings its own character to the drink.
Want to skip the fruit? Try cucumber instead. It pairs nicely with the herbs and creates a refreshing drink.
