Introducing the Strawberry Basil Smash, the perfect cocktail for the summer! Fresh basil leaves are mixed with homemade simple syrup and then mixed with gin for a floral, earthy cocktail that is guaranteed to impress!
Making elevated cocktails at home is one of my favorite pastimes. Since having children and moving away from Rehoboth, it is harder and harder to go out on a Friday night. I like to mix together a special drink to make the weekends feel special. This cocktail was inspired by my favorite herb that is growing in my garden, basil!
In the mood for another summer cocktail? Try this Blackberry Sangria. This recipe makes a large batch and is perfect to serve at your next happy hour. Or, try this Spiked Cranberry Lemonade. This drink is my personal favorite and my take on Fishers Island Pink Lemonade.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It is light! This cocktail is topped with club soda for a drink that is light and refreshing.
- Tastes like summer! Fresh strawberries and basil are combined to make a drink that highlights the delightful tastes of the summer.
- The vibrant red and green hues make a beautiful drink!
Ingredients
- Gin is the alcohol used to give this cocktail a fresh, floral taste.
- Strawberry Simple Syrup adds a sweet flavor.
- Fresh basil leaves are muddled with lemon juice to create a peppery flavor and an aromatic scent.
- Club Soda tops the cocktail for fizz and lightness.
- Garnish the cocktail with strawberry slices and basil leaves.
Exact ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions
- Vodka or bourbon can be substituted for the gin.
- Substitute the basil with mint for a sweet and floral flavor.
- Muddle with the basil with fresh lime wedges or lime juice in place of the lemon juice.
- Use soda water or tonic water in place of the club soda.
Mocktail Variation
Make this cocktail a mocktail by eliminating the gin. In place, muddle juicy strawberries to create more juice and add more club soda.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a cocktail shaker or mason jar, muddle the basil leaves with lemon juice.
Step 2: Add the gin and strawberry simple syrup to the basil leaves.
Step 3: Add ice to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the outside of the shaker is cold. Pour into an iced glass.
Step 4: Top with club soda. Garnish with strawberry halves, basil leaves and/or lemon wedges.
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler. If you do not have a muddler, use the end of a wooden spoon. Here is the one that I use!
FAQ
Strawberry Simple Syrup is easy to make by combining one cup of water, one cup of sugar, and one cup of sliced strawberries in a small pot over medium heat. Stir to melt the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes until the syrup thickens. Remove strawberry slices and store the syrup refrigerated in an airtight container.
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries to make strawberry simple syrup. Simply, use the same measurements to make the syrup.
To make this Strawberry Basil Gin Smash sweeter, add more strawberry simple syrup. As written this recipe is not very sweet. Alternatively, you can muddle sweet strawberries with the basil for extra sweetness.
Yes, you can make this cocktail ahead of time. I recommend combining the muddled basil, gin, and cocktail syrup without ice. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When ready to serve, shake together with ice. Pour drink in a glass over ice and top with club soda. Do not top with club soda until ready to serve as the club will become flat.
Related
Looking for other cocktail recipes? Try one of these:
Pairing
These are my favorite appetizers to pair with cocktails:
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Basil Smash (Gin Cocktail Recipe)
Equipment
- Muddler
- Cocktail Shaker
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Gin
- ½ ounce Strawberry Simple Syrup
- 1 ounce Lemon Juice
- 4-6 Fresh Basil Leaves
- Club Soda
- Ice
- Strawberry Slices, Basil Leaves and Lemon Wedges to garnish
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle the basil leaves.
- Add ice, gin, and Strawberry Simple Syrup to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds until the shaker is icy.
- Pour over ice straining any remaining basil leaves. Top with club soda.
- Garnish with strawberry slices, basil leaves and/or lemon wedges. Enjoy!
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