Strawberry Basil Smash Recipe
Are you looking for a refreshing, sweet, and slightly savory drink to cool you down? This Strawberry Basil Smash Recipe is the absolute perfect choice for warm days and sunny afternoons.
Equipment
- Muddler Perfect for gently crushing the strawberries and basil to release their juices.
- Cocktail shaker Essential for mixing the ingredients and chilling the drink quickly.
- Jigger or Measuring Cup To get the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
- Fine mesh strainer Keeps the seeds and small herb bits out of your final glass.
- Rocks Glass The classic, beautiful glass for serving this style of smash drink.
Ingredients
- Fresh Strawberries – 3 large ripe strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Fresh Basil Leaves – 5 to 6 large leaves, plus an extra sprig for a beautiful garnish
- Lemon Juice – 0.75 ounces, about half of a fresh lemon, squeezed
- Simple Syrup – 0.5 ounces, equal parts sugar and water dissolved together
- Gin or Vodka – 2 ounces, of your favorite high-quality spirit
- Club Soda – A splash, to top off the glass and add a lovely fizz
- Crushed Ice – Enough, to fill your cocktail shaker and your serving glass completely
Instructions
Muddle the Strawberries and Basil
- Place the sliced strawberries, fresh basil leaves, and simple syrup into the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Gently press down and twist using your muddler to release the sweet juices and fragrant herb oils.
Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and your choice of gin or vodka directly into the shaker. These liquids will blend beautifully with the freshly muddled fruit and herbs.
Shake with Ice
- Fill the cocktail shaker about halfway with clean, fresh ice cubes. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about ten to fifteen seconds until the shaker feels incredibly cold.
Strain into the Glass
- Fill your rocks glass to the top with fresh crushed ice. Strain the mixture from the shaker through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared glass to remove pulp and seeds.
Top and Garnish
- Add a splash of bubbly club soda to the top of the glass for a sparkling finish. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a slapped basil sprig for a wonderful aroma.
Notes
- Slap your basil: Gently slap the basil sprig garnish between your palms before serving to release the aromatic oils.
- Swap the spirit: If you do not prefer gin, this recipe tastes absolutely incredible with vodka, white rum, or bourbon.
- Make it a mocktail: Simply omit the alcohol and use extra club soda, ginger beer, or lemonade for a family-friendly treat.
- Sweetener alternatives: Try using honey syrup, agave nectar, or maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a unique flavor.
- Use frozen berries: If fresh strawberries are out of season, thawed frozen strawberries work wonderfully for muddling.