When the weather warms and strawberries reach their juicy, ruby-red peak, there’s truly no better way to celebrate the season than with a Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash. This vibrant cocktail perfectly captures the spirit of summer, balancing sweet, herbal, and citrusy notes against the deep, warming hug of a good bourbon. Every sip feels like a sunbeam in a glass — fresh, lively, and endlessly refreshing. Bursting with real ingredients and simple techniques, it’s a refreshing, playful twist on classic bourbon cocktails like the Mint Julep or Whiskey Smash, but with its own fruity, garden-fresh flair. Whether you’re lounging on a sun-drenched porch, hosting an alfresco dinner party, or just wanting something a little different in your glass at the end of a long day, this smash hits every note beautifully. Fresh strawberries bring their summery sweetness, basil adds a peppery, aromatic twist, and a splash of lemon juice brightens it all up, making the drink feel light, energetic, and irresistibly smooth. It’s easy to make, stunning to serve, and even better to savor — the perfect cocktail to toast long days, warm nights, and everything in between.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash isn’t just pretty — it’s a flavor bomb. First, it’s incredibly fresh and seasonal. Real strawberries and basil shine, giving this drink a natural sweetness and herbal complexity that’s impossible to replicate with syrups alone. Every sip tastes like a burst of sunshine, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Second, it’s ridiculously easy. No fancy equipment needed — just a muddler, a shaker, and your favorite bourbon. In just a few minutes, you’ll have a bar-worthy cocktail without ever leaving your kitchen. Third, it’s wildly customizable. Want it a little sweeter? Add more simple syrup. Prefer a tangier sip? Bump up the lemon juice. Feeling adventurous? Swap basil for mint, or mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a colorful twist. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. It looks stunning, smells heavenly, and tastes like summer in a glass. It’s the kind of drink that gets oohs and ahhs before guests even taste it. Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon lover or a cocktail newbie looking to ease into whiskey drinks, you’ll love this smash for its balance, brightness, versatility, and beautiful presentation. It’s the ultimate way to impress without the stress — and once you’ve tried it, it might just become your signature summer cocktail.
Ingredients
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2 oz bourbon
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4–5 fresh strawberries, hulled
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4–5 fresh basil leaves
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¾ oz simple syrup
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½ oz lemon juice
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Ice cubes
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Garnish: Strawberry and basil sprig
Preparation (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Hull your strawberries by removing the green tops. Give your basil leaves a light slap between your palms — this releases the oils and deepens the flavor.
Step 2: Muddle
In a shaker or sturdy glass, add the strawberries, basil leaves, and simple syrup. Gently muddle them together to release the juices from the strawberries and the oils from the basil. You don’t want to pulverize — just enough to mash the strawberries and bruise the basil.
Step 3: Add Bourbon and Lemon
Pour in the bourbon and fresh lemon juice. Fill the shaker with ice.
Step 4: Shake It Up
Shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds. This chills the drink and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. You can do a loose strain if you like some fruit bits or double-strain for a smoother drink.
Step 6: Garnish
Top with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of basil for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
Variation
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Raspberry Basil Smash: Swap the strawberries for raspberries for a tart, jewel-toned version.
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Mint Instead of Basil: More like a julep, with a cleaner, cooler flavor profile.
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Sparkling Smash: Top with a splash of club soda for a lighter, bubbly take.
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Maple Syrup Swap: Replace the simple syrup with maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness that complements bourbon wonderfully.
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Gin or Vodka Smash: Substitute the bourbon with gin for a botanical punch or vodka for a clean, crisp canvas.
Cocktail Note
Bourbon’s vanilla, caramel, and spice notes pair like a dream with strawberries and basil. The richness of the spirit grounds the cocktail, while the fruit and herbs lift it into something vibrant and thirst-quenching. This drink is the ultimate example of how bourbon can shine outside of colder-weather cocktails — it’s versatile enough for summer sipping but still feels lush and full-bodied.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve it in a wide rocks glass or a stemless wine glass to show off the gorgeous color.
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Pair it with light summer bites like bruschetta, fresh cheeses, grilled shrimp, or a caprese salad.
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For a backyard gathering, set up a Smash Bar where guests can pick their own berries and herbs to customize their drinks.
Tips
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Use ripe strawberries: They make a huge difference in flavor and natural sweetness.
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Fresh basil only: Dried basil won’t have the same aromatic punch.
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Adjust sweetness: Taste as you go — strawberries vary in sweetness, so tweak your simple syrup accordingly.
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Chill your glass: A cold glass keeps the drink crisp and refreshing longer.
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Shake hard: Muddled fruit needs a strong shake to properly incorporate into the drink.
Prep Time
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Mixing Time: 2 minutes
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Total Time: 7 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
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Calories: ~180
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Protein: 0g
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Sodium: 2mg
FAQs
Can I make a batch of this for a party?
Definitely! For easy entertaining, muddle the strawberries, basil, simple syrup, and lemon juice directly in a large pitcher. Add the bourbon, stir well, and refrigerate until ready to serve. When guests arrive, simply shake individual servings with ice for the freshest flavor and best texture. Garnish each glass with a fresh strawberry and basil sprig to keep the presentation lively.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries deliver the best vibrant flavor and texture, but if they’re out of season or unavailable, thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. They tend to release more juice and get a bit mushier, so be gentle when muddling to avoid turning the drink into a puree.
What’s the best bourbon to use?
Choose a mid-range bourbon that’s smooth, flavorful, and not overly smoky. Brands like Four Roses, Woodford Reserve, or Bulleit Bourbon are excellent picks because their notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice complement the fruity and herbal elements of the smash beautifully. If you prefer a slightly sweeter drink, opt for a wheated bourbon like Maker’s Mark.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! For a refreshing mocktail version, swap out the bourbon for iced tea, lemonade, or a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative. You’ll still enjoy that delicious mix of strawberries, basil, and citrus without the alcohol — perfect for daytime parties, kids’ events, or anyone wanting a booze-free option.
Is it okay to skip the lemon juice?
It’s better not to! The lemon juice adds crucial brightness and a balancing acidity that keeps the drink from becoming too sweet or flat. If you don’t have fresh lemon, a splash of lime juice or even a squeeze of orange juice can work nicely in a pinch. Just be sure to include some type of citrus for the best balance.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash is pure sunshine in a glass — a fruity, herbal, and spirit-forward cocktail that feels both rustic and refined. It’s the drink you’ll want to make every summer weekend, whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or just treating yourself to a well-deserved moment of delicious relaxation. Every sip bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the aromatic lift of fresh basil, the brightness of lemon, and the smooth, warm kick of bourbon. With its jewel-toned color, intoxicating aroma, and luscious flavor, it’s proof that some of the best cocktails are the simplest. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and visually stunning enough to steal the spotlight at any gathering. Whether served in a mason jar for a casual vibe or in a sleek rocks glass for something more elevated, the Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash is the perfect blend of freshness and spirit. Smash, sip, and savor the season — one vibrant glass at a time, creating memories as bright and joyful as the drink itself.