Strawberry Basil Smash Drink

This strawberry basil smash cocktail offers the perfect balance of sweet berries, herbal notes, and bourbon warmth, all brightened with fresh lemon and a fizzy finish. I discovered this drink one summer when my herb garden was overflowing with basil, and it quickly became my signature cocktail for warm weather gatherings.

I first created this cocktail for a backyard barbecue, and guests were so impressed they thought I had professional bartending experience. Now it's requested at every summer get-together.

Ingredients

• Fresh strawberries: choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor
• Fresh basil leaves: look for bright green leaves with a strong aroma
• Bourbon: select a quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking neat
• Simple syrup: adds balanced sweetness that blends seamlessly
• Fresh lemon juice: provides essential acidity that brightens all flavors
• Club soda: adds effervescence and lightens the drink
• Ice: use large clear ice cubes for slower melting and better presentation
• Garnishes: fresh strawberry and basil sprig make the presentation pop

How To Make Strawberry Basil Smash

Muddle the produce:

Place diced strawberries and basil leaves in your cocktail shaker. Gently press with a muddler until the strawberries release their juices and the basil becomes fragrant. The goal is to extract flavors without completely pulverizing the ingredients.

Add the liquids:

Pour in the bourbon, simple syrup, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. These proportions create a balanced drink where no single element overpowers.

Shake thoroughly:

Add plenty of ice to your shaker, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This both chills the cocktail and properly dilutes it for ideal texture.

Prepare glasses:

Fill two lowball glasses with fresh ice. Quality ice matters here as it will continue to dilute your drink as you enjoy it.

Strain and serve:

Carefully strain the cocktail mixture evenly between the prepared glasses. The straining removes bits of muddled strawberry and torn basil for a smoother drinking experience.

Finish with fizz:

Top each glass with club soda to add effervescence. Add just enough to give a gentle sparkle without diluting the carefully crafted flavors.

Garnish beautifully:

Place a fresh strawberry and basil sprig on each glass. These aren't just decorative but add aromatic elements that enhance each sip.

Pin it

The muddling technique is what truly transforms this drink from ordinary to extraordinary. I learned from a bartender friend that gentle pressure releases aromatic oils from the basil without extracting bitter compounds, creating that perfect herbal essence that makes this cocktail memorable.

Seasonal Variations

During different seasons, this cocktail can be adapted using various fruits. In late summer, replace strawberries with ripe peaches for a stone fruit variation. Fall calls for muddled pear with cinnamon-infused simple syrup. Winter works beautifully with blood oranges and rosemary instead of basil. Spring allows for delicate combinations like blackberry and thyme. The basic formula remains the same while seasonal produce keeps the drink fresh and exciting year-round.

Pin it

Make-Ahead Options

This cocktail shines brightest when freshly made, but you can prepare components ahead of time for easier entertaining. Mix the muddled strawberry-basil mixture with bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice up to 4 hours before serving, storing it covered in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, simply shake with ice, strain into glasses, and top with club soda. The flavors actually develop nicely during this brief resting period, creating an even more cohesive taste profile when served.

Customization Guide

Adjust this cocktail to suit different preferences and dietary needs with simple modifications. For less sweetness, reduce simple syrup to ½ ounce. Create a spicier version by adding two thin slices of jalapeño during the muddling process. Make a non-alcoholic version by replacing bourbon with strong brewed black tea. For a gin lover's variation, substitute gin for bourbon and add a splash of elderflower liqueur. Those watching calories can use monk fruit sweetener instead of simple syrup and diet tonic water instead of club soda.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Let them thaw slightly before muddling for the best flavor.

→ What can I substitute for bourbon?

You can substitute bourbon with whiskey, rum, or even vodka for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I make this drink non-alcoholic?

Skip the bourbon and replace it with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing mocktail version.

→ Can I prepare this drink in advance?

It's best to muddle strawberries and basil fresh, but you can mix the simple syrup and lemon juice ahead of time to save a few minutes.

→ What type of glass should I use?

A low-ball glass or rocks glass is ideal for serving this cocktail, as it holds the perfect portion and allows room for garnish.