Looking for a refreshing drink without alcohol? The strawberry basil smash mocktail combines sweet strawberries with fresh basil for a perfect spring or summer beverage. This easy-to-make mocktail requires just five ingredients and takes less than ten minutes to prepare.
The bright red color makes this drink eye-catching for parties, while the flavor combination offers something more interesting than standard lemonade or soda. Many people enjoy how the herbal notes of basil balance the sweetness of strawberries.
Serving this mocktail in a clear glass lets guests see the beautiful colors and fresh ingredients. Adding ice keeps it cool on hot days, and a strawberry or basil leaf garnish makes it look even more special.
Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Muddler or wooden spoon
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Ice cube tray
- Collins or highball glass
- Measuring jigger or measuring spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Blender (optional for strawberry puree)
Ingredients
- 4-6 fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 5-7 fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons simple syrup adjust to taste
- ½ cup soda water or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Lemon wheel or strawberry slice for garnish
For simple syrup:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Make simple syrup (if needed): Combine sugar and water in a small pot. Heat until sugar dissolves completely. Cool before using.
- Muddle fruit and herbs: Place strawberries and basil in the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle to release flavors without completely crushing the ingredients.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in lemon juice and simple syrup. Add ice to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and serve: Fill a glass with fresh ice. Strain the mixture into the glass.
- Finish the drink: Top with soda water and stir gently. Garnish with a basil leaf and strawberry slice or lemon wheel.
This mocktail is best served immediately while cold and bubbly.
Notes
Best Tried & Tested Equipment
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Tasting Notes
The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail offers a refreshing balance of sweet and herbal flavors. The fresh strawberries provide a natural sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate.
Basil adds an unexpected herbal note that cuts through the fruit’s sweetness. This creates a complex flavor profile rarely found in non-alcoholic drinks.
The drink has a bright acidity from the lemon juice, making it taste clean and crisp rather than syrupy. The slight bite from the soda water gives it a pleasant effervescence.
Flavor Profile:
- First taste: Sweet strawberry
- Middle notes: Aromatic basil
- Finish: Bright, clean lemon with fizzy texture
The mocktail appears vibrant red with flecks of green basil throughout. Its aroma combines fresh strawberry with subtle herbal hints.
Texture-wise, the drink feels light and bubbly. The muddled strawberries create a slight thickness without making the drink heavy.
This mocktail works well as a summer refresher or as an elegant non-alcoholic option for dinner parties. The flavors remain distinct but harmonious, with none overpowering the others.
Substitutes
If you don’t have all the ingredients for a Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail, don’t worry. There are many simple swaps you can make.
Fruit Options:
- Replace strawberries with raspberries or blackberries
- Use peaches or mangoes for a tropical twist
- Try watermelon for a summer variation
Herb Alternatives:
- Mint instead of basil for a classic flavor
- Rosemary for an aromatic touch
- Thyme for an earthy note
Fresh lemons can be replaced with limes or even oranges. Each will bring a different citrus profile to your mocktail.
For the sweetener, honey or maple syrup work well in place of simple syrup. Agave nectar offers a lower glycemic option.
Sparkling water can be swapped with ginger ale for extra zing or coconut water for a tropical feel.
The best part about mocktails is their flexibility. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand.
