Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail

Fruity, light and refreshing! This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail is an all-time favorite cocktail. Herbaceous and delicious, with a few natural ingredients.
Made with vodka (or my fave cucumber mint flavored), fresh muddled strawberries, basil leaves, and a little lemon juice. This basil smash cocktail is for sure to be one of your recurring go-to’s! It tastes like a spiked strawberry lemonade!
You will particularly enjoy this drink if you go for the sweeter, lighter cocktails. I love cocktails using real fruits, like my Spiked Vodka Lemonade with Kiwi or Watermelon & Blueberry Vodka Smash.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Vodka. I love flavored vodka, so I pair my Cucumber-Mint combo with this recipe. Substitute for any flavored vodka or unflavored. Or even try with gin or rum.
- Strawberries. Substitute for your favorite mixed berry option.
- Fresh Basil. Substitute for mint.
- Lemon Juice. You can substitute for lime juice, but it does make this cocktail more tart.
- Simple Syrup. Simple syrup helps add a sweetness to this fruity cocktail. Substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave.
TIP! You can always make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar in a small pot on the stove. Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and then let cool.
Variations
Want to make a variation of this strawberry basil smash recipe?
- Try topping with club soda, lemonade, ginger beer, kombucha or even prosecco.
- Infuse your own vodka with basil, strawberries, or even lemons.
- Add a shot of limoncello!
Tips, Tricks & Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to muddle fruit and herbs?
Muddling the strawberries and basil in this vodka recipe help release the oils and juice.
What can I use instead of a muddler?
If you don’t have a muddler, use the bottom of a clean, wooden spoon.
Should I strain this cocktail?
I prefer a less pulpy cocktail and therefore strain my cocktail. If you don’t mind it, you can simply muddle the strawberries and let it be.
Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 2 OZ KetelOne Cucumber & Mint Vodka
- 1 OZ Simple Syrup
- 2 Strawberries hulled and stems removed
- 2 Basil Leaves washed thoroughly
- 2 OZ Lemon Juice (about 1 lemon)
Instructions
- Lightly muddle the strawberries, basil and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker. Muddle until strawberries are almost like a purée.
- Pour the vodka, simple syrup and ice into the shaker.
- Shake for 30-seconds.
- Strain over a cup with fresh ice cubes.
- Garnish with a strawberry and basil.
- Lightly muddle the strawberries, basil and lemon juice in your glass. Muddle until strawberries are almost like a purée.
- Add the vodka, simple syrup and ice.
- Stir.
- Strain over a glass with fresh ice cubes or keep as a pulpy cocktail.
- Garnish with strawberry and basil.
Tips
- Vodka. I love flavored vodka, so I pair my Cucumber-Mint combo with this recipe. Substitute for any flavored vodka or unflavored. Or even try with gin or rum.
- Strawberries. Substitute for your favorite mixed berry option.
- Fresh Basil. Substitute for mint.
- Lemon Juice. You can substitute for lime juice, but it does make this cocktail more tart.
- Simple Syrup. Simple syrup helps add a sweetness to this fruity cocktail. Substitute for honey, maple syrup or agave.
- TIP! You can always make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts water and sugar in a small pot on the stove. Simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved and then let cool.

Comments
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Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing!