As we're swinging into some of the hottest days of summer, I'm craving light and refreshing cocktails and this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail does just the trick! And if you're looking for a mocktail, omit the vodka and this will still be a perfectly refreshing summer mocktail as well.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- This easy cocktail comes together in about five minutes!
- Fresh basil and fresh strawberries really make this a perfect summer cocktail.
- It's easy to adapt this to be a mocktail - just omit the vodka and top with more sparkling water.
- Looking for a few other summer cocktail recipes? Try this Watermelon Mint Cocktail and this Aperol Soda.
Ingredients
You'll only need a few ingredients to pull this cocktail together!
- Fresh basil: Be generous with the basil in this recipe! It may seem like a lot, but it gives such a soft, subtle flavor that you really want to pull out into the cocktail. Also, muddle the basil a LOT! Typically in muddling, you don't want to overdo it. In this case, I'd say, go to town! You want to pull as much flavor as possible from those leaves.
- Strawberries: This is a great way to use up strawberries that might be a little bit past their prime. You're going to muddle them, so you'll never notice! I like to dice them fairly small, and then muddle.
- In a strawberry mood? You might like this Sourdough Discard Strawberry Cake, too!
- Simple syrup: This adds a bit of sweetness to the drink. You could also try it with this Blackberry Simple Syrup or this Orange Simple Syrup.
- Vodka: I like to use Prairie Organic Vodka, but any kind of vodka you enjoy will work well here. Of course, if you want to serve this as a mocktail, omit the alcohol.
See full recipe for detailed directions.
Substitutions & Variations
There are a few easy tweaks you can make to this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail for an entirely different experience:
- Make it a mocktail: Omit the alcohol and make this a mocktail! You'll just use a bit more sparkling water.
- Add a flavored simple syrup: You can add some additional flavor with a flavored simple syrup, like this Blackberry Simple Syrup or this Orange Simple Syrup.
- Change up the alcohol: This would also be great with gin as the spirit, and tonic instead of sparkling water!
How to Make a Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
This cocktail comes together in just a few easy steps. The full recipe with detailed directions is at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Thoroughly muddle the basil in the base of a highball glass. Make sure it's a sturdy glass!
- Step 2: Add the strawberries and continue to muddle. This is releasing the flavor from the berries.
- Step 3: Add ice, then pour in lime juice, simple syrup, and vodka, and gently stir to combine. Top with sparkling water and garnish.
Expert Cocktail Tips
- Make sure to really muddle! Muddling the basil and the strawberries is what really releases the flavor in this cocktail.
- You can make this a mocktail by omitting the vodka and using more sparkling water.
- Adjust the flavor slightly by using a flavored simple syrup.
- Have fun with the garnish! A strawberry slice on the rim of the glass brings this cocktail to the next level.
- Serve this summer cocktail with a few appetizers! Try this Sourdough Discard Focaccia or this Peach and Prosciutto Salad.
Storage
This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail will not store well, so I recommend making it when you're ready to drink or serve it!
If you need to do some prep beforehand, you can always dice the strawberries and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you need them (I would not do this more than a day in advance!).
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you could. Fresh berries will be best, but frozen would work as well!
Yes, of course! This could work well with gin, for example. Or you could make it without any alcohol for a nonalcoholic option.
More Easy Cocktail Recipes
If you tried this Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail or any other recipe on my website, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I'd love to hear from you! Enjoy!
Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 fresh basil leaves plus more for garnish
- 3 fresh strawberries diced, plus more for garnish
- 2 ounces unflavored vodka
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon simple syrup
- sparkling water to top
Instructions
- Thoroughly muddle the basil leaves in the bottom of a sturdy highball glass. Add the strawberries and continue to muddle.
- Add ice, then lime juice, simple syrup and vodka. Gently stir to combine. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a strawberry slice and additional basil. Serve immediately.
Jessica Vogl says
So refreshing on a hot summer day!