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.
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.
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Highlights of this Recipe
This recipe is:
- Easy
- Refreshing
- Light
- Herbaceous
- Crowd-pleaser
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.
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.
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
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!
- 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
Muddling the strawberries and basil in this vodka recipe help release the oils and juice.
If you don’t have a muddler, use the bottom of a clean, wooden spoon.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry-Basil Vodka Cocktail
Equipment
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.
Kim
Absolutely delicious and so refreshing! Loved the little twist the cucumber vodka brought to the drink. Definitely keeping this in my summer cocktail rotation
Elise Shivamber
Thanks, Kim! The cucumber adds a little fun if you have it! Good with regular vodka too. Glad you enjoyed!