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    Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail

    Published: Aug 4, 2020 · Modified: May 5, 2021 by Elise Shivamber · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Fruity, light and refreshing! This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail is an all-time favorite cocktail. Herbaceous and delicious, with a few natural ingredients.

    strawberry basil vodka cocktail in a short glass garnished with a basil leaf and strawberry

    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.

    This is one of Elise Tries to Cook ORIGINAL cocktails. It’s my boyfriend’s absolute favorite! My favorite vodka, fresh strawberries and basil combine for the best cocktail.

    Jump to:
    • Highlights of this Recipe
    • Ingredients & Substitutions
    • Step-By-Step Instructions
    • Variations
    • Equipment Needed
    • Tips, Tricks & Frequently Asked Questions
    • Cocktails You May Also Like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Highlights of this Recipe

    This recipe is:

    • Easy
    • Refreshing
    • Light
    • Herbaceous
    • Crowd-pleaser 

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    fresh basil leaves, strawberries, lemon juice, simple syrup and vodka all in separate bowls
    • 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.

    Ketel One Cucumber Mint Vodka

    (Not sponsored or endorsed by KetelOne Vodka)

    This Strawberry Basil Cocktail is one of my favorites! I mean, strawberry and basil is always a great mix, but by using Cucumber & Mint Ketel One Vodka, it’s even better. It is dangerously good! I personally prefer the flavored vodka, making this my favorite Ketel One Cucumber Mint recipe.

    Ketel One Cucumber Mint is probably my favorite vodka to use, not only because of its flavor. It’s also made with non-GMO grain and infused with natural fruit and botanicals. No carbs, no artificial flavors, no added sugars. One shot is only 73 calories (and also tastes so delicious!). 

    I purchase mine from any grocery store or liquor store, but find on the website here.

    Step-By-Step Instructions

    There are two ways you can make this cocktail, but the preference is shaken.

    muddle strawberries and basil leaves in a crystal glass

    STEP ONE: Muddle strawberries, basil and lemon juice.

    STEP TWO: Add vodka, simple syrup and ice.

    STEP THREE: Either shake in a cocktail shaker, or stir.

    STEP FOUR: Strain into a glass filled with ice.

    STEP FIVE: Garnish with strawberry and basil leaf.

    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!

    Equipment Needed

    straining the cocktail into a short glass filed with ice with a strawberry garnish

    Muddler:

    • Budget Friendly: Use the bottom of a clean cooking spoon! 
    • Convenience Friendly: Buy a small muddler in either wood or steel.

    Lowball Glasses:

    The Lowball or Old Fashioned glasses are shorter and are for almost every drink. Lowball glasses are a classic option and can also use them for neat drinks (without ice), or on the rocks (with an ice cube). I got these for $2 from Target!

    Strainer:

    • Budget Friendly: Use a small strainer you already own. It may not cover the shaker, but it will work!
    • Convenience Friendly: Buy a cocktail strainer that fits a cocktail shaker. Even better, buy a shaker with a built-in strainer top!

    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.

    a scene of two cocktails with a strained crystal glass in the background with muddled strawberries and basil leaves inside

    Cocktails You May Also Like

    • Spiked Vodka Lemonade with Kiwi
    • Watermelon & Blueberry Vodka Smash
    • Cherry Moscow Mule
    • Refreshing But Strong Limoncello Cocktail

    📖 Recipe

    strawberry basil vodka cocktail in a short glass garnished with a basil leaf and strawberry

    Strawberry-Basil Vodka Cocktail

    Elise Shivamber
    Fruity, light and refreshing! This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail is an all-time favorite cocktail. Herbaceous and delicious, with a few natural ingredients.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 228 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail Shaker
    • Shaker

    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
     

    Shaken Method

    • 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.

    Stirred Method (for pitchers or no shaker)

    • 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.

    Notes

    • 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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 228kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 18mgPotassium: 116mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 48IUVitamin C: 36mgCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword basil, cocktail, strawberries, vodka
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kim

      May 12, 2021 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious and so refreshing! Loved the little twist the cucumber vodka brought to the drink. Definitely keeping this in my summer cocktail rotation

      Reply
      • Elise Shivamber

        May 16, 2021 at 11:15 am

        Thanks, Kim! The cucumber adds a little fun if you have it! Good with regular vodka too. Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply

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