Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail Recipe
This one is all about the sweetness of fresh strawberries, the aroma of basil, and those classic gin botanicals. It's a spring or summer drink that really feels like the season.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker with strainer
- Muddler for crushing the strawberries and basil
- Jigger or measuring tool for accurate pours
- Bar spoon: for stirring.
- Highball glass or rocks glass for serving
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, for removing berry seeds)
- Cutting board and knife for preparing fruit and herbs
Ingredients
- For one cocktail you'll want:
- 2 oz 60ml gin
- 4-5 fresh strawberries hulled and quartered
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish
- ¾ oz 22ml fresh lemon juice
- ½ oz 15ml simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Club soda or sparkling water
- Strawberry slice or basil leaf for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill a highball or rocks glass with ice. Set it aside to chill for a bit.
- Muddle the produce: Toss the strawberries and basil leaves into your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle them to release flavors and juices, but don't pulverize everything.
- Add liquid ingredients: Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Shake well: Add ice to the shaker, pop on the lid, and shake hard for about 15 seconds. The shaker should get nice and cold on the outside.
- Strain and serve: Strain everything into your prepared glass over fresh ice. For a smoother texture, use a fine mesh strainer to catch those strawberry seeds.
- Top and garnish: Add a splash of club soda on top. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a basil leaf if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
Want it sweeter? Add an extra ¼ oz of simple syrup, or swap in honey syrup if that's more your style.
If you're skipping alcohol, you can use an alcohol-free gin or just add more club soda and a splash of tonic water for a little extra complexity.
Making simple syrup is easy—combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until dissolved, and let it cool before using.