This strawberry gin smash has fresh basil, elderflower liqueur, and lime juice for a refreshing, delicious summer cocktail. Make it in a pitcher or as a single drink!
In a blender or food processor, purée the strawberries and basil together until smooth. You should end up with about 4 ounces total.
Strawberry Gin Smash (Puréed Version)
In four highball glasses, add 1 oz. strawberry basil purée, 1/2 oz. lime juice, 1/2 oz. simple syrup, 1 1/2 oz. gin, and 1/2 oz. elderflower liqueur to each glass. Stir until combined.
Fill the glasses with ice. Top with soda water. Garnish with strawberries, basil, etc. Stir the strawberry gin smashes right before drinking. Enjoy!
Strawberry Gin Smash (Muddled Version)
Place 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries into each highball glass. Muddle until the strawberries are juicy and smooth. Add 2 basil leaves to each highball glass and muddle just a bit to release the flavor of the herb.
To each glass, add 1/2 oz. lime juice, 1/2 oz. simple syrup, 1 1/2 oz. gin, and 1/2 oz. elderflower liqueur. Stir.
Fill the glass with ice and top with club soda. Garnish, if desired. Give it a stir right before enjoying.
Notes
If you don't have a muddler, use the handle of a wooden spoon.To make the drink sweeter, add a little extra simple syrup or use lemon-lime soda, ginger ale, or champagne in place of the club soda.I top my cocktails with 1-2 ounces of club soda, but you can add more if desired.Please note that the strawberry basil purée will make enough for 4 cocktails. If you want to make 8 cocktails (for a pitcher), simply double the purée and add 1/2 c. fresh lime juice, 1/2 c. simple syrup, 1 1/2 c. gin, and 1/2 c. elderflower liqueur. Top with soda water, to taste.