Refreshing Strawberry Basil Smash Cocktail
A bright, fresh, and easy-to-make summer cocktail combining juicy strawberries, aromatic basil, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup, and your choice of spirit, topped with sparkling water for a refreshing fizz.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 8–10 fresh basil leaves, gently bruised
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon honey syrup (equal parts honey and warm water)
- 2 ounces gin (or vodka/tequila)
- Ice cubes or crushed ice
- 2 ounces sparkling water
- Strawberry slice and basil sprig for garnish
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by hulling and quartering the strawberries, washing and gently drying basil leaves, and juicing one lemon to get about 2 tablespoons of juice.
- In a shaker or mixing glass, add strawberries and basil leaves. Gently muddle to release juices and aroma without pulverizing the leaves.
- Add honey syrup and fresh lemon juice to the muddled mixture.
- Pour in 2 ounces of your chosen spirit (gin, vodka, or tequila).
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes or crushed ice, secure the lid, and shake vigorously until the shaker is cold and frosty.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice using a fine mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds.
- Top with 2 ounces of sparkling water gently to add fizz.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprig of basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Gently muddle basil to avoid bitterness. Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor. Adjust honey syrup and lemon juice to taste. Crushed ice is preferred for best chill and texture. Strain twice for a smooth cocktail. Store muddled fruit and basil separately if preparing in advance and add alcohol and sparkling water just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail (about 6-
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 2
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: strawberry cocktail, basil smash, summer drink, refreshing cocktail, homemade cocktail, easy cocktail recipe, gin cocktail, fresh herbs, honey syrup