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This bourbon berry basil mix delivers just the right combo of sweet strawberries, leafy herbs, and warm whiskey notes, all lifted with a squeeze of lemon and bubbly finish. I came up with this drink during a summer when basil was taking over my garden, and it quickly turned into my go-to cocktail for outdoor parties.
I first mixed this drink for a casual cookout, and everyone was so blown away they thought I'd worked behind a bar before. Now I can't host a summer gathering without making it.
What You'll Need
- Ripe strawberries: grab the ones that smell amazing for best results
- Basil leaves: pick vibrant ones that give off a strong scent
- Bourbon: use something you'd enjoy sipping on its own
- Simple syrup: brings smoothly integrated sweetness to the mix
- Lemon juice: adds that zingy tang that makes everything pop
- Club soda: brings the bubbles and keeps things light
- Ice: bigger chunks melt slower and won't water down your drink
- For the top: an extra strawberry and basil sprig make it look fancy
How To Make Strawberry Basil Smash
- Crush your fruit and herbs:
- Toss chopped strawberries and basil into your shaker. Push them down gently with a muddler until juice comes out of the berries and you can smell the basil. Don't mash them to a pulp – just enough to get the flavors out.
- Pour in the wet stuff:
- Add your bourbon, simple syrup, and fresh lemon juice. This mix creates a drink where you'll taste everything without anything taking over.
- Give it a good shake:
- Fill your shaker with ice, put the top on tight, and shake hard for about 15 seconds. This cools everything down and adds just the right amount of water.
- Get your glasses ready:
- Put fresh ice in two lowball glasses. Good ice matters since it'll keep melting as you drink.
- Pour it out:
- Strain the mixture evenly between your glasses. Straining keeps little bits of strawberry and basil from floating in your drink.
- Add some bubbles:
- Pour a splash of club soda on top of each drink. Just enough to make it fizzy without watering down all those good flavors.
- Make it pretty:
- Stick a fresh strawberry and basil leaf on each glass. They look nice but also add smells that make each sip better.
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The way you crush the ingredients really makes this drink special. A bartender buddy taught me that pushing gently on the basil gets all the good oils out without the bitter stuff, giving you that amazing herbal kick that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
Seasonal Variations
You can switch up this drink depending on what time of year it is. Try ripe peaches instead of strawberries in late August. When fall comes around, mash up some pear and use cinnamon-flavored syrup. Winter works great with blood oranges and swap rosemary for the basil. Spring is perfect for mixing blackberries with thyme. The basic method stays the same but using what's in season keeps things interesting all year long.
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Make-Ahead Options
This drink tastes best when you've just made it, but you can get stuff ready beforehand if you're having people over. Mix your mashed strawberries and basil with the bourbon, syrup, and lemon up to 4 hours early, then keep it in the fridge with a cover. When your friends show up, just shake with ice, pour, and add soda. The flavors actually get better during this short wait, making everything taste even more put-together.
Customization Guide
You can tweak this drink to fit what you and your friends like. Want it less sweet? Cut the syrup down to half. Looking for some heat? Throw in a couple thin jalapeño slices when you're mashing things. Need something without alcohol? Use strong black tea instead of bourbon. Got a gin fan coming over? Swap the bourbon for gin and add a little elderflower liqueur. Watching your calories? Try monk fruit sweetener instead of syrup and diet tonic instead of club soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I replace fresh strawberries with frozen ones?
Absolutely! If you’ve got frozen strawberries, use them. Just let them soften for a bit so they’re easier to smash for flavor.
- → Is there a bourbon alternative?
Swap bourbon with rum, whiskey, or even vodka for a new twist on flavors.
- → How do I make this alcohol-free?
Leave out the bourbon and add sparkling water or lemonade instead for a fun mocktail.
- → Can I prep this ahead of time?
For the best taste, smash the berries and basil fresh. But you can mix the lemon juice and syrup beforehand to cut down on prep time.
- → What glass works best?
Serve in a rocks or low-ball glass. It’s just the right size and lets you show off the garnish.