This Strawberry Gin Basil Smash is refreshing, fruity, and not too sweet. Basil pairs perfectly with strawberries to create a balanced, pretty pink cocktail.
If you’re like, “girlfriend, why are you posting about a strawberry cocktail in October?”
I know. I know.
I’m going to write about savoring the last taste of summer and all that jazz, but the truth is this girl is behinddd on her posts. So, maybe you live in California or somewhere warm and are still harvesting the last of your berries, and maybe your garden isn’t covered by 4 inches of snow at the moment (glares out the window).
With autumn upon us you might have some last harvest picks to use up, and we highly suggest using them for our Strawberry Gin Basil Smash. As with most cocktails, its warming effect will do nicely in these colder months, and the fruity flavor will provide a welcomed lighter note.
This is a libation for those who are missing summer. Not to mention: How pretty are these pink cocktails?
What is a Gin Basil Smash?
This modern green cocktail was birthed in 2008 and comprised of four simple ingredients: gin, sugar, basil, and lemon juice.
The cocktail has quite the controversy behind it. Two men in Germany created basically the same cocktail around the same time, but the bartender who used the powers of social media reaped all the credit.
While the cocktail’s success stems mostly from its simplicity, the Basil Gin Smash can have some distinct differences depending on who is crafting it. Our version is inspired by the classic pairing — with a floral and fruity twist.
How to Make Flavored Simple Syrups
Rather than just adding sugar to your cocktails, it’s always best to make a simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar boiled). This syrup stays liquid and ensures you don’t have undissolved sugar crystals in your cocktail.
However, not infusing your simple syrup with flavor? That’s just a missed opportunity.
The options are endless when it comes to flavored simple syrups. One thing that I love to do is pair sweet and savory flavors. An easy way to do this is pair fruit with fresh herbs, which creates a perfectly balanced pairing that isn’t too sweet.
This syrup is just strawberries, water, fresh basil, sugar, and a touch of honey for a floral note. Combine with gin, lime, and a splash of club soda, and you have yourself a delicious and refreshing Strawberry Gin Basil Smash.
The Best Gin to Use
Gins vary greatly in flavor profiles and you should choose your favorite gin for making mixed drinks and cocktails. While I love something with strong botanical notes for my gin and tonics, I opt for dry gin with a softer profile for cocktails.
I always suggest going for something local, too, if you can. I’m spoiled because I live ten minutes from Dry Fly Distilling, which is basically my happy place.
Dry Fly is a wonderful contributor and excellent source of spirits based out of Spokane, WA, and I can’t help but love their team and their vision. Their farm-to-bottle craft spirits are all amazing, and I love their Washington Gin. The American-style gin features flavors specific to Washington and the Pacific Northwest (fuji apple, coriander, lavender, mint, and hops added to fresh Oregon juniper berries). How cool is that?
We hope that you make and love this Strawberry Gin Basil Smash! What’s your favorite cocktail to make using gin? Let us know below and be sure to check out our other cocktail recipes.
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Strawberry Gin Basil Smash
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Description
This Strawberry Gin Basil Smash is refreshing, fruity, and not too sweet. Basil pairs perfectly with strawberries to create a balanced, pretty pink cocktail.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry-Basil Simple Syrup:
- 8 ounces strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup cane sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
For the Strawberry Basil Gin Smash:
- 3 ounces gin
- 4 tablespoons strawberry-basil syrup
- club soda, for topping
- 1 lime wedge
- fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
Make the Strawberry-Basil Syrup
- Combine the strawberries, water, sugar, and honey in a small sauce pot. Bring to a simmer and stir gently to dissolve.
- Add in the basil and simmer until the mixture is a bright red, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let infuse 5 minutes.
- Pour the syrup through a fine mesh strainer to remove the strawberries and basil. Don’t press down on the leftover strawberries or your syrup will get cloudy. Let the syrup cool completely.
Make the Cocktails
- For each cocktail, combine the gin and syrup over ice. Top with club soda and garnish with lime, basil, and strawberries.
Notes
For stronger basil flavor, muddle some basil in the glass before assembling.
Keep leftover syrup in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The syrup is also great for making homemade sodas!
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This post is so perfect for me. I’m such a fan of gin. Thank you for sharing
I have never had gin. I think this drink definitely looks like something I would try. Delicious!
this looks like a great way to have a party. I’ll have to give it a try when I have my next get together.
This looks like an amazing mixed drink! I love to try new flavors. I’m pinning this to try next time I have some gin around.
★★★★★
oh, my! That looks tasty and refreshing. I would love to try this drink. Thanks for sharing!
I love the color. Looks like a smashing hit. Need to try it out soon. My wife would love it.
This gin basil strawberry smash looks so refreshing and yum! I’d love to try it!
★★★★★
Interesting kind of drink! I think this would be nice when my girlfriends visit me in here.
I’m not really a gin drinker, so I would need to substitute with something else. However, this drink recipe turned out amazing.
My friend is a massive gin lover, so this would be right up her street for sure xx
I would like to try all these flavors! It looks and sounds fabulous!
★★★★★
Strawberry Gin Basil Smash sounds so refreshing! I would like to do it soon. It is so yummy!
★★★★★
This sounds really refreshing and reminds me of summer too! Those still holding on to the warmer weather with bliss should try this one ASAP!
No worries about having a taste of summer! I love having sunny flavours at this time of the year! I would be sipping on this all year-round!
I seriously need to give this a try! Looks so good!
★★★★★
There is a good drink for some trouble. Lol! Seriously though, it looks delicious!
This looks like a fun drink for the weekend! I would really love to taste this one soon!
★★★★★
those photos look so good! i love a good gin martini and i am sure this would be delightful too especially w/ the strawberries.
Joy at The Joyous Living
This looks like my kind of drink. I tend to love things with strawberries, so this is perfect.
★★★★★
SOLD! I totally have to make one of these this weekend. It sounds SO good.
this must really be delicious. i love strawberries. this is worthy to try. <3
cha @ littlemisadvencha.com
★★★★★
Hhhhmmm….this is nice but is there an alternative I can use, in place of basil leaves?
You could use mint!
This looks delicious and the recipe is not so difficult to follow. I’ve never tried drinking this before and it’s just refreshing to try something new. 🙂
I love the combination of basil and strawberries together, and I’m always partial to a gin! Bookmarking to try!
★★★★★