How to Make A Strawberry Basil Smash

Prep time: 3 minutes

Serves: 1

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka or light rum
• 4–5 fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 4 fresh basil leaves, plus one sprig for garnish
• ¾ oz fresh lemon juice
• ¾ oz simple syrup
• Ice

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberries and basil leaves. Muddle firmly until the strawberries are fully broken down and the basil is fragrant (I usually do about 10–12 presses).
2. Add ice, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake hard for 15 seconds.
4. Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
5. Garnish with a basil sprig and a strawberry half on the rim.

Muddling: Don’t over-muddle the basil, a few tears release the oils without bitterness. 

Double-straining removes strawberry seeds and basil bits for a clean finish. 

Variation: Swap vodka for white rum for a slightly sweeter, more tropical profile.