Strawberry Basil Smash
A modern classic cocktail that encapsulates the farm-to-glass ethos of 21st-century craft cocktail culture. A vibrant interplay of sweet strawberries, herbaceous basil, tart citrus, and botanical gin.
23%
ABV
easy
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Strawberry Basil Smash is a modern variation of the Gin Basil Smash, created by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion - Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany in 2008. Meyer initially called his creation "Gin Pesto" and it was inspired by the classic American Whiskey Smash. The Strawberry Basil Smash emerged as a natural evolution when bartenders began experimenting with seasonal fruit additions. The classic culinary pairing of strawberry and basil made this variation an obvious and delicious choice, becoming a symbol of the craft cocktail movement's emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
2 oz
0.8 oz
0.5 oz
3 whole
8 leaves
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Hull the strawberries and place in cocktail shaker
Add simple syrup and gently muddle strawberries to release juice and color
Add basil leaves to shaker and press gently with muddler to bruise and release oils
Add London Dry gin and freshly squeezed lemon juice
Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds
Double strain into chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice
Garnish with fresh basil sprig (slap to release oils) and thinly sliced strawberry
Glassware
Double old-fashioned glass over fresh ice
Garnish
Slap gently to release oils
Thinly sliced, cut just before serving
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use ripe, in-season strawberries for best flavor and color
Muddle basil gently to avoid bitter, grassy flavors
Double strain to remove seeds and herb debris for smooth texture
Pre-chill glassware for optimal temperature
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Strawberry Basil Smash.
Sweeter Version
Increase simple syrup to 3/4 oz for a more fruit-forward drink
Changes
More Herbaceous
Increase basil to 10-12 leaves for pronounced basil flavor
Changes
Less Boozy
Reduce gin to 1.5 oz for a lighter, more sessionable cocktail
Changes
Strawberry Bourbon Smash
Substitute bourbon for gin for a richer, spicier profile
Changes
Strawberry Vodka Smash
Use vodka for a cleaner base that highlights fruit and herb flavors
Changes
Strawberry Basil Gin Fizz
Top with soda water for a longer, effervescent drink
Changes
Spicy Strawberry Basil Smash
Muddle a slice of jalapeño with strawberries for heat
Changes
More to Explore
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Appletini
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Boston Sour
A whiskey sour with a silky crown—bourbon, lemon, and simple syrup shaken with egg white for a classic foam.
Bourbon Basil Smash
A modern classic that brilliantly marries American whiskey tradition with vibrant, herbaceous character. This descendant of the Gin Basil Smash swaps botanical gin for bourbon's rich vanilla and caramel, creating a refreshing yet complex cocktail.