The Strawberry Basil Smash is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that beautifully blends sweet, fruity, and herbal flavors. Fresh strawberries are muddled with fragrant basil leaves and a splash of zesty lemon juice, creating a naturally flavorful base. This mixture is combined with simple syrup and either gin or vodka, depending on preference, then shaken with ice to chill and infuse the flavors. The drink is strained into a glass and topped with soda water for a light, fizzy finish. Garnished with a basil sprig and sliced strawberries, the Strawberry Basil Smash is perfect for spring and summer, offering a garden-fresh twist.
Ingredients (for 1 serving):
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3–4 fresh strawberries (plus more for garnish)
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4–6 fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
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½ oz fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
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½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
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2 oz gin or vodka (your choice)
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Ice (for shaking and serving)
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Splash of club soda or sparkling water (optional)
🛠️ Equipment Needed:
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Muddler or wooden spoon
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger or measuring tool
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Strainer (fine mesh optional)
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Rocks glass or lowball glass
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Spoon or stirrer
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Citrus juicer or reamer (optional)
🥄 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Wash your strawberries and basil leaves thoroughly. Slice the strawberries into halves or quarters for easier muddling. Juice the lemon and set it aside.
Step 2: Muddle the Base
In a cocktail shaker, add:
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3–4 sliced strawberries
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4–6 basil leaves
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½ oz fresh lemon juice
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½ oz simple syrup
Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently but firmly press and twist the ingredients together. This releases the strawberry juices and essential basil oils, blending them with the lemon and syrup.
🔍 Tip: Don’t over-muddle the basil; too much force can release bitterness. A gentle crush is enough to extract its aroma.
Step 3: Add Liquor
Add 2 oz of gin or vodka into the muddled mixture, depending on your flavor preference:
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Gin adds botanical complexity.
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Vodka keeps it cleaner and more strawberry-forward.
Step 4: Add Ice and Shake
Fill the shaker with ice cubes, seal it tightly, and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds. This chills the mixture and further blends the flavors.
Step 5: Strain Into Glass
Fill a rocks glass (or lowball glass) with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mixture into the glass. You can use a fine mesh strainer to remove strawberry seeds and basil bits, or pour it “dirty” with the muddled pieces for a rustic presentation.
Step 6: (Optional) Top with Soda
For a lighter, slightly fizzy version, top the drink with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with:
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A sprig of fresh basil
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A slice or fan of strawberry on the rim or floating on top
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Optional: a thin lemon wheel for extra color and brightness
Serve immediately with a short straw or cocktail stirrer.
🍋 Tips & Variations:
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Add a few black pepper flakes while muddling for a subtle kick.
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For a mocktail version, skip the alcohol and use lemonade or sparkling water instead.
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Try with honey syrup instead of simple syrup for a richer, floral sweetness.
