Description
The Strawberry Basil Smash is a refreshing and vibrant cocktail that perfectly combines fresh strawberries, aromatic basil, and smooth bourbon. This easy-to-make drink is lightly sweetened with simple syrup and balanced with fresh lemon juice, topped off with club soda for a fizzy finish. It’s an ideal choice for warm weather sipping or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Herbs
- 4 fresh strawberries, diced
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves
- strawberries, for garnish
- basil sprigs, for garnish
Liquids
- 4 ounces bourbon
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- club soda, to top off the cocktail
Other
- ice
Instructions
- Muddle fruit and herbs: To a cocktail shaker, add the diced strawberries and fresh basil leaves. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently crush them together, releasing their juices and fragrance to infuse the cocktail.
- Add liquids: Pour in 4 ounces of bourbon, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lemon juice into the shaker with the muddled mixture.
- Shake with ice: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes, cover it tightly, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled and combined.
- Prepare glasses: Fill 2 low-ball glasses with ice to chill and prepare for serving.
- Strain cocktail: Strain the shaken strawberry and basil mixture evenly into the prepared glasses filled with ice, ensuring a smooth pour without solids.
- Top with club soda: Add club soda to the top of each glass to give the cocktail a refreshing fizz and lighten the flavor.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish each drink with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of basil for a beautiful presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy your Strawberry Basil Smash!
Notes
- For a sweeter cocktail, increase the simple syrup slightly to taste.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Lightly bruise the basil leaves before muddling to release more flavor.
- You can substitute bourbon with rye whiskey or a good quality vodka if preferred.
- Adjust lemon juice quantity to balance the acidity based on your taste.
- This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the brightness of the ingredients.
