Strawberry Basil Smash: Cocktail Recipe for Girls

If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, fruity, and absolutely gorgeous cocktail, Strawberry Basil Smash is the perfect choice. This drink is light, herbaceous, and ideal for a girls’ night in, a casual get-together, or even as a treat for yourself. Based on my overall experience, this cocktail is easy to make and so versatile that you can modify it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making it.

Notes on What to Expect:

This Strawberry Basil Smash is bright, slightly sweet, and herbaceous with just a hint of fizz from the soda. The strawberries add a fruity, summery vibe, while the basil gives it a refreshing twist. You’ll notice the lemon juice adds just enough tartness to balance the flavors. From my own personal experience, it’s the kind of drink that pairs well with light summer dishes like grilled chicken, salads, or even a cheese board.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Time to Stand: 5 minutes (optional)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy (Perfect for beginners!)
• Servings: 1
• Calories: ~150-180 calories (depending on sweetener choice)
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$15 (depending on seasonality of strawberries)
• Equipment Needed:
  • Cocktail shaker
  • Muddler (or the back of a spoon)
  • Jigger (or measuring cup)
  • Strainer
  • Glass (rocks or highball)
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Ingredients:

• 4-5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 5-6 fresh basil leaves
• 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup (or honey syrup for a natural twist)
• 2 oz (60 ml) vodka (or gin for an herbal touch)
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• Ice cubes
• Club soda or sparkling water (for topping)
• Garnish: Basil leaves and a slice of strawberry
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Step-by-Step Method:

1. Muddle the strawberries and basil
   In your cocktail shaker, add the fresh strawberries and basil leaves. Using a muddler (or the back of a spoon), gently press and twist the ingredients. You want to release the juices from the strawberries and the aroma from the basil. From my own personal experience, it’s best to muddle gently so that you don’t break down the basil leaves too much and turn them bitter.
2. Add the vodka, syrup, and lemon juice
   Measure out the vodka (or gin), simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice using a jigger or measuring cup, and pour them into the shaker. The simple syrup adds sweetness, while the lemon juice brings a bright, tangy contrast.
3. Shake with ice
   Add a few ice cubes to the shaker, then put on the lid and give it a good shake—about 15-20 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when the shaker feels frosty on the outside.
4. Strain into a glass
   Fill a rocks or highball glass with ice, then strain the cocktail mixture into it. A fine-mesh strainer works best here to catch the strawberry seeds and basil bits.
5. Top with club soda
   To finish off your Strawberry Basil Smash, top it with a splash of club soda or sparkling water. This gives the drink a refreshing fizz.
6. Garnish and serve
   Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a slice of strawberry for that extra touch of prettiness. You’re now ready to serve!

Tips and Variations:

• Gin Substitution: You can swap out the vodka for gin if you want more herbal notes. Gin pairs beautifully with basil!
• Sugar-Free Option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar-free simple syrup or a stevia-based sweetener instead of regular syrup. This keeps the cocktail light and diabetic-friendly.
• Alcohol-Free Mocktail: Want to skip the alcohol? Replace the vodka with an equal amount of sparkling water or flavored seltzer for a light, refreshing mocktail. You’ll still get the fresh strawberry and basil flavors!
• Add Some Spice: If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a slice of jalapeño to give your cocktail a spicy kick! Based on my overall experience, this adds an unexpected twist that’s fun to experiment with.
• > Go get the must-have equipment and Ingredients that you need for making a delightful #Strawberry Basil Smash   Now

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 150-180 (with vodka and simple syrup)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (depending on sweetener)
• Sugars: 8g (if using simple syrup)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 5mg
• Fiber: 1g (from the strawberries)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Too Sweet or Too Tart? Adjust the balance by tweaking the simple syrup and lemon juice ratio. You can always add a bit more lemon juice if it’s too sweet or more syrup if it’s too tart.
• Flat Taste? If your drink feels a bit dull, give it a small pinch of salt! This might sound strange, but it can help elevate the other flavors.
• No Muddler? No problem! Use the back of a spoon to press the strawberries and basil. The goal is to release the juices without turning the basil into mush.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs:

• Low-Calorie Version: Use a calorie-free sweetener like monk fruit syrup instead of simple syrup. It keeps the flavor intact while cutting calories.
• Low-Carb Option: For a keto-friendly cocktail, you can swap the simple syrup for a low-carb alternative like erythritol syrup. It’s a great way to keep the drink sweet without the sugar!

Nutritional Breakdown: Strawberry Basil Smash (Per Serving)

Note: The nutrition will vary depending on your choice of sweetener (simple syrup vs. sugar-free) and whether you use alcohol or opt for a mocktail version.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve Chilled: The Strawberry Basil Smash is best enjoyed ice-cold. Serve it with plenty of ice to keep it refreshing throughout.
• Pair with Light Snacks: Since this cocktail has fruity and herbaceous notes, it pairs well with light snacks like a cheese platter, bruschetta, or fresh fruit. It’s also great with grilled chicken or fish if you’re serving this during a summer dinner party.
• Make it a Party Pitcher: If you’re making this for a group of girls, consider multiplying the recipe to create a large batch in a pitcher. Simply combine the strawberries, basil, vodka, lemon juice, and syrup in a pitcher, let it chill in the fridge, then add ice and club soda when you’re ready to serve.

Notes:

• Perfect for Summer Gatherings: From my own personal experience, this cocktail is ideal for sunny days or warm evenings. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for sipping outside.
• Balance of Flavors: Expect a harmonious balance between the sweetness of the strawberries, the freshness of basil, and the tanginess of lemon juice. The hint of fizz from the soda makes it feel light and airy.
• Customization is Key: One of the best parts about this drink is its versatility. You can easily adjust the sweetness, tartness, and even the alcohol level to suit your preferences.
• Mocktail Version is Just as Good: If you’re skipping the alcohol, don’t worry! The non-alcoholic version still has all the fruity and herbaceous flavors that make this cocktail so delicious. It’s just a bit lighter!

FAQs: Strawberry Basil Smash

Q: Can I make this cocktail in advance?

Yes! You can muddle the strawberries and basil ahead of time and combine them with the vodka, syrup, and lemon juice. Store the mixture in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just add ice, shake, and top with club soda.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh strawberries?

You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Let them thaw slightly before muddling. They’ll still give you that sweet, fruity flavor!

Q: How can I make a sugar-free version?

Replace the simple syrup with a sugar-free alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use a sugar-free simple syrup made with erythritol to keep it sweet but low in carbs.

Q: Can I swap out the basil for another herb?

Absolutely! Mint or thyme would work wonderfully if you’re out of basil or want to try a new flavor. Each herb will give the drink its own unique twist.

Q: How do I make the drink less sweet?

Reduce the amount of simple syrup, or omit it entirely if you prefer a more tart, refreshing drink. You can always add a splash of extra soda water for more balance.

Final Words

The Strawberry Basil Smash is an incredibly versatile cocktail that’s easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion, especially for a girls’ night. From my own personal experience, this drink is a hit with everyone because of its refreshing combination of fruity sweetness, herbal notes, and tangy brightness. Whether you’re making it alcoholic or non-alcoholic, it’s a drink you can easily customize to your taste or dietary preferences.

Feel free to play around with the ingredients, whether it’s switching up the spirit, adding a spicy twist, or going sugar-free. The beauty of this recipe is in its flexibility and the burst of fresh flavors it brings to the table.

So grab your shaker and some fresh strawberries, and enjoy making this delightful cocktail!