Strawberry Basil Gin Smash

This is a take on a drink I learned how to make at a mixology class while on a cruise over Christmas break. Jacob and I rocked our best “Dad on Vacation” Hawaiian shirts and got absolutely drunk at this class. We made (and consumed) three strong cocktails in under an hour…before dinner. One of the cocktails we made was a blueberry mint gin smash. We learned how to properly muddle fruit and herbs in a drink. I wanted to put my own spring spin on this drink by using some strawberries instead of blueberries, and basil instead of mint. It’s sweet, herby, and refreshing. I will be remaking this drink more and more as the weather gets warmer. 

Strawberries

Basil

Gin 

Simple Syrup

Seltzer Water

Core and slice 2 strawberries per drink. Add to glass with 3 large basil leaves. Muddle with a muddling tool or the back of a spoon (I used a spoon, I don’t have fancy bartending tools yet). You don’t want to completely pulverize the fruit and herbs, just give them a light smoosh to release all the good flavor. 

Add a few ice, cubes two ounces of gin (or more - I’m not here to judge), half an ounce of simple syrup, and top off with seltzer water, flavored or unflavored. I used unflavored Topo Chico for mine. Stir and enjoy.