Refreshing Strawberry Basil Gin Smash Cocktail
A quick and easy homemade summer cocktail combining fresh strawberries, basil, gin, and a splash of club soda for a refreshing and vibrant drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 medium fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, gently torn or whole
- 2 ounces (60 ml) London dry gin (e.g., Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire)
- 1 ounce (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¾ ounce (22 ml) simple syrup
- 2 ounces (60 ml) chilled club soda
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- Optional garnish: small strawberry slice and fresh basil sprig
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add quartered strawberries and torn basil leaves. Muddle gently for 2-3 minutes to release juices and aromas without pulverizing the fruit or bruising the basil too much.
- Add 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¾ ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. Using a fine strainer, pour the cocktail mixture over the ice to remove seeds and basil bits.
- Top the drink with 2 ounces chilled club soda, pouring gently to add fizz.
- Garnish with a small strawberry slice and a fresh basil sprig before serving.
Notes
Use fresh, ripe strawberries and fresh basil for best flavor. Avoid over-muddling basil to prevent bitterness. Chill gin and club soda before use. Adjust simple syrup to taste for sweetness. Large ice cubes help keep the drink cold longer without diluting it quickly. Straining removes seeds and basil bits for a smooth sip.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12
- Carbohydrates: 15
Keywords: strawberry cocktail, basil cocktail, gin smash, summer drink, refreshing cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, homemade cocktail