Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail

The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail is a celebration of fresh, summery flavors. It perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the peppery, aromatic notes of fresh basil. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, citrusy acidity that cuts through the sweetness, while a topping of soda water lends a light, effervescent finish. It's a visually appealing drink with a gorgeous ruby hue, offering a complex and satisfying experience without any alcohol.
Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail

Preparation

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

This beverage is classified as a mocktail, a non-alcoholic mixed drink. It falls into the refreshing category due to its vibrant fruit and herb profile, making it a perfect example of a sophisticated, modern alcohol-free drink.

Serving

Served cold over ice in a standard rocks glass, this is a completely non-alcoholic drink. A chilled glass enhances the refreshing experience.
Serving size
Approximately 240-300 ml / 8-10 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Rocks Glass
Glass treatment
None, but a chilled glass is recommended

Backstory

This mocktail is a direct descendant of the modern classic cocktail, the Gin Basil Smash. As the demand for sophisticated, high-quality non-alcoholic options grew in the 2010s, bartenders began adapting popular recipes. By removing the gin and introducing a complementary fruit like strawberry, they created a mocktail that retains the "smashed" herb vibrancy of the original while forging its own delicious, fruit-forward identity.
Origin
The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail is a modern creation, likely emerging from the craft cocktail and mocktail movement in North America and Europe around the 2010s. It doesn't have a single point of origin but evolved as a popular alcohol-free alternative to gin-based smashes.

Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail

This drink is most commonly known as the Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail. Alternative names like "Virgin Strawberry Basil Smash" simply clarify its non-alcoholic nature, making it clear it's a variation of the popular alcoholic smash cocktail.
Original name
Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail
Alternative names
  • Virgin Strawberry Basil Smash
  • Strawberry Basil No-Smash

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant aroma of fresh strawberries and basil, with a flavor that balances fruity sweetness and citrusy tartness. Its crisp, herbal aftertaste and light fizziness make it a quintessential refreshing summer beverage.
Flavor
Fruity, herbal, sweet, tart, refreshing
Aroma
Fresh strawberry, pungent basil, zesty lime
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, crisp, herbal
Fizziness
Lightly sparkling
Color appearance
Vibrant pinkish-red, flecked with green basil pieces, translucent
Texture
Light, watery, slightly pulpy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor profile is dominated by high fruitiness, balanced by moderate sweetness and sourness. It has zero alcohol, saltiness, or creaminess, with only a very slight bitterness from the basil and light carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You will need fresh strawberries and basil leaves as the primary flavor components, enhanced with fresh lime juice and simple syrup for balance. The drink is finished with a top of sparkling soda water.
  • Fresh Strawberries4-5, hulled and quartered
    Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves6-8 leaves
    Sweet basil (Genovese) works best.
  • Fresh Lime Juice22 ml / 0.75 oz
    Freshly squeezed juice is crucial for the bright flavor.
  • Simple Syrup15 ml / 0.5 oz
    Adjust to taste based on the sweetness of the strawberries. Can be substituted with agave nectar or honey (if not for vegans).
  • Soda Water60-90 ml / 2-3 oz, to top
    Also known as club soda or sparkling water.

Ice type

  • Cubed or Crushed

Mixing equipments

The essential tools for this mocktail include a muddler to release the flavors of the fruit and herbs, and a cocktail shaker to mix and chill everything perfectly.
  • Cocktail shaker for chilling and combining ingredients.
  • Muddler for gently bruising the basil and strawberries.
  • Fine-mesh strainer (or Hawthorne and fine strainer) for double-straining.

Instructions

The process involves muddling fresh strawberries and basil, shaking them with lime juice and syrup, and then double-straining into an ice-filled glass. Finally, top with soda water and garnish.
1. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, add the quartered strawberries and basil leaves.
2. Gently muddle the strawberries and basil to release their juices and oils. Do not pulverize the basil, just bruise it.
3. Add the fresh lime juice and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice.
4. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds until well-chilled.
5. Fill a rocks glass with fresh ice. Double-strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass to remove seeds and small herb pieces.
6. Top the drink with soda water.
7. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a strawberry on the rim before serving.

Garnishing

Garnish with a fresh sprig of basil and a small strawberry on the rim to highlight the core ingredients and add visual appeal.
  • Fresh basil sprig, placed gently on top of the drink.
  • Small fresh strawberry, placed on the rim of the glass.

Dietary Information

This drink is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is fully vegan, vegetarian, alcohol-free, and caffeine-free.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This is a relatively low-calorie drink, with most of its carbohydrates and sugars coming from the fresh fruit and a small amount of simple syrup.
Calories
Approximately 80-100 kcal / 335-418 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approximately 20-25 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approximately 15-20 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for warm-weather events like summer parties, picnics, and barbecues. It's also an excellent choice for brunches, baby showers, or any occasion where a festive, non-alcoholic option is desired.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Baby Shower
  • Afternoon Refresher

Pairing suggestions

This mocktail pairs beautifully with light, fresh foods. It complements salads, appetizers like bruschetta or goat cheese, and simply prepared main courses such as grilled chicken or white fish, enhancing the meal without overpowering it.
  • Light salads with vinaigrette
  • Bruschetta with tomato and basil
  • Goat cheese and cracker appetizers
  • Grilled chicken or light fish

A Taste of Summer: The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail

The Strawberry Basil Smash Mocktail is the epitome of a garden-fresh beverage, perfect for anyone seeking a sophisticated non-alcoholic option. Its vibrant red color and aromatic garnish make it as beautiful as it is delicious. The core of the drink is the delightful interplay between sweet strawberry and peppery basil, all brightened by a sharp citrus kick. Easy to make and endlessly refreshing, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any sunny day or social gathering.

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