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Refreshing Strawberry Basil Smash cocktail in a glass with fresh fruit and herbs.

Strawberry Basil Smash

A vibrant and refreshing garden cocktail that captures the essence of summer. This drink combines muddled strawberries and sweet basil with gin or vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup for a bright, herbaceous flavor. It's an effortlessly elegant and simple-to-make beverage.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 6-8 fresh sweet basil leaves e.g., Genovese
  • 2 oz gin or vodka
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 oz simple syrup 1:1 sugar to water
  • Ice cubes for shaking and serving
  • 1 small strawberry and 1 small basil sprig for garnish

Equipment

  • Cocktail shaker
  • Muddler
  • Fine-mesh strainer (optional, for double straining)
  • Jigger or measuring tool
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Serving glass (e.g., rocks glass or coupe)

Method
 

  1. Prepare your serving glass by placing it in the freezer to chill.
  2. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, combine the hulled strawberries, basil leaves, and simple syrup.
  3. Gently muddle the mixture with a twisting motion until the strawberries are juicy and the basil is fragrant and bruised, but not shredded.
  4. Add the gin or vodka, fresh lemon juice, and a hearty scoop of ice to the shaker.
  5. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until the shaker is frosty.
  6. Double-strain the cocktail into the chilled glass using the shaker's strainer and a fine-mesh sieve if available to remove pulp and seeds.
  7. Fill the glass with fresh ice.
  8. Garnish with a small strawberry and a sprig of basil placed on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

Muddle gently to avoid bitter basil. Use simple syrup, not granulated sugar, for smooth texture. Adjust simple syrup if strawberries are not sweet. Taste lemon juice for balance; a tart lemon may require less. Serve promptly to prevent basil from wilting and turning bitter. For a party, pre-muddle the strawberry-basil base. Variations: Use mint or thyme instead of basil; swap gin for light rum; add jalapeño slices for heat; top with prosecco or club soda for a sparkling version; for a non-alcoholic version, muddle fruit/herb with lemon and syrup, shake with ice, and top with ginger beer.