Refreshing Strawberry Basil Smash Gin Cocktail
A bright and lively summer cocktail combining ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and crisp London dry gin for a refreshing and easy-to-make drink.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 medium fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 8–10 fresh basil leaves
- 2 ounces (60 ml) London dry gin (e.g., Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray)
- 1 ounce (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 ounce (22 ml) simple syrup
- Club soda or sparkling water, to top
- Ice cubes
- Optional garnish: small strawberry slice and fresh basil sprig
Instructions
- Place quartered strawberries and basil leaves into a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle the strawberries and basil for about 20 seconds to release juices and oils, avoiding over-muddling to prevent bitterness.
- Add 2 ounces gin, 1 ounce fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 ounce simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
- Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice cubes.
- Strain the cocktail mixture over the ice using the shaker’s strainer or a fine mesh strainer.
- Top with about 2 ounces (60 ml) club soda or sparkling water and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with a basil sprig and a thin strawberry slice on the rim or floating on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use ripe, sweet strawberries for best flavor. Muddle basil gently to avoid bitterness. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled. Adjust simple syrup and lemon juice to taste. Clear ice melts slower and looks nicer. Prepare muddled strawberry-basil mixture up to 6 hours ahead and add gin, ice, and soda just before serving. For a non-alcoholic version, omit gin and increase club soda or use a non-alcoholic gin alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 8-
- Calories: 150180
- Sugar: 812
- Sodium: 510
- Carbohydrates: 1015
- Fiber: 12
Keywords: strawberry cocktail, basil cocktail, gin cocktail, summer drink, refreshing cocktail, easy cocktail recipe