Refreshing Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail
A bright and herbaceous summer cocktail featuring muddled fresh strawberries and basil, balanced with lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka or gin, topped with club soda for a refreshing fizz.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–5 medium ripe strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently bruised
- Juice of 1 lime (about 1 tablespoon or 15 ml)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) simple syrup
- 2 ounces (60 ml) vodka or gin
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top off
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Muddle the quartered strawberries and fresh basil leaves in a mixing glass using a muddler, pressing gently but firmly to release juices and oils without pulverizing (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and 2 ounces (60 ml) of vodka or gin to the muddled mixture. Stir gently with a bar spoon to blend flavors (about 30 seconds).
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with ice cubes. Strain the muddled mixture over the ice, using a fine strainer if desired. Top with club soda or sparkling water, stir gently, and garnish with a basil leaf and a whole strawberry on the rim (1-2 minutes).
Notes
Do not over-muddle basil to avoid bitterness; use fresh strawberries for best flavor and color; chill glass beforehand for extra cold drink; stir gently to preserve fizz; muddled mixture can be refrigerated up to 24 hours before adding alcohol and soda.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8-
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 1012
- Sodium: 510
- Carbohydrates: 1215
- Fiber: 12
Keywords: strawberry basil smash, summer cocktail, refreshing drink, muddled cocktail, vodka cocktail, gin cocktail, easy cocktail recipe