. 10 Refreshing Strawberry Basil Cocktails For Spring You’ll Crave All Season – esrecipes

10 Refreshing Strawberry Basil Cocktails For Spring You’ll Crave All Season

Spring calls for drinks that taste like sunshine, and these strawberry basil cocktails deliver. We’re talking bright, juicy berries, peppery herbs, and just enough fizz to make every sip feel like a mini-vacation. Hosting a brunch, happy hour, or Tuesday? You’ll find a keeper here. Let’s shake things up—literally.

1. Sparkling Strawberry Basil Smash You’ll Make On Repeat

This bubbly beauty hits all the happy notes: sweet strawberries, fragrant basil, and a crisp sparkle. It’s light, fresh, and dangerously sip-able—perfect for patio hangs or a quick pre-dinner toast. You can batch it for a party or shake up singles when the craving hits.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3–4 oz chilled prosecco or dry sparkling wine
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries, basil, and simple syrup in a shaker until juicy and fragrant.
  2. Add lemon juice, and ice. Shake until well chilled.
  3. Strain into a chilled wine glass with fresh ice.
  4. Top with prosecco and give a gentle stir.

Garnish with a slapped basil leaf for max aroma. Swap for gin if you want more botanicals, or use club soda for a lighter spritz.

2. Blended Strawberry Basil Frosé That Saves Hot Afternoons

Frosé season is real, and this version brings in those peppery basil vibes to balance the berry sweetness. It’s slushy, refreshing, and way too easy to love. Make a pitcher and watch it vanish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle dry rosé, frozen in a shallow pan for 6–8 hours
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 8–10 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 oz elderflower liqueur (optional but glorious)
  • 2 oz lemon juice
  • 2–3 tbsp honey or simple syrup, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Scrape the frozen rosé into a blender.
  2. Add strawberries, basil, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and sweetener.
  3. Blend until slushy-smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  4. Pour into chilled glasses and serve immediately.

3. Strawberry Basil Margarita With A Zesty Salt Rim

Tequila loves strawberries and basil more than it lets on. This margarita hits tart, sweet, and herbaceous in one bright sip. It shines at taco night and steals the show at brunch, IMO.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe strawberries, chopped
  • 5–6 basil leaves
  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2–3/4 oz agave syrup, to taste
  • Coarse salt and lime zest for rim
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Rim a rocks glass with lime and dip in salt mixed with lime zest.
  2. Muddle strawberries and basil in a shaker with agave.
  3. Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice. Shake hard for 15 seconds.
  4. Strain over fresh ice into the prepared glass.

Add a thin jalapeño slice if you like a kick. Sub mezcal for a smoky twist that plays nicely with basil’s peppery notes.

4. Zero-Proof Strawberry Basil Cooler That Doesn’t Feel Like A Compromise

You want the vibe without the booze? This cooler delivers crisp flavor and serious refreshment. It’s kid-friendly, brunch-approved, and perfect for anyone pacing themselves.

Ingredients:

  • 5 strawberries, hulled
  • 6–8 basil leaves
  • 1 oz honey syrup (1:1 honey to water)
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3 oz chilled sparkling water
  • 2 oz chilled apple juice or white grape juice
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries and basil with honey syrup in a shaker.
  2. Add lemon juice, apple juice, and ice. Shake until frosty.
  3. Strain into a tall glass over ice and top with sparkling water.

Use strawberry purée if you want extra body. Swap lemon for lime and add a pinch of sea salt for a grown-up edge.

5. Ginny Strawberry Basil Collins With Bistro Energy

This highball feels like a fancy café drink but builds in minutes. The gin’s botanicals hug the basil while strawberries keep things playful. Long, bubbly, and perfect for lazy afternoons.

Ingredients:

  • 3–4 strawberries, sliced
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz London dry gin
  • 3–4 oz chilled club soda
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries and basil with simple syrup in a shaker.
  2. Add lemon juice, gin, and ice. Shake until icy-cold.
  3. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with club soda.
  4. Give a gentle stir to combine.

Garnish with a basil sprig tucked through a strawberry slice. If you like it drier, halve the syrup and let the gin shine.

6. Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash That Converts Whiskey Skeptics

Hear me out: bourbon with strawberries and basil absolutely slaps. The fruit softens the edges while basil adds intrigue, not sweetness. It’s a spring porch-sipper with grown-up swagger.

Ingredients:

  • 3 strawberries, halved
  • 5–6 basil leaves
  • 1/2 oz maple syrup or demerara syrup
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2 oz bourbon
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries, basil, and syrup in a shaker until pulpy.
  2. Add lemon juice, bourbon, bitters, and ice. Shake briefly.
  3. Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.

Top with a tiny basil bouquet and a strawberry fan. Add a splash of ginger beer if you like a spicy lift—trust me, it works.

7. Coconut Strawberry Basil Daiquiri That Tastes Like Vacation

Classic daiquiri, but make it tropical and herb-kissed. The coconut adds creaminess without dairy, and basil keeps it bright. It’s beach-in-a-glass energy, no plane ticket required.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 6–8 basil leaves
  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz coconut rum or 1 oz coconut milk + 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup ice

Instructions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting lime or syrup to taste.
  3. Pour into a coupe or hurricane glass.

Garnish with a basil leaf slapped between your palms to wake up the aroma. Sub aged rum for a warmer, caramel vibe.

8. Strawberry Basil Paloma Spritz That Outshines The Classic

Grapefruit meets strawberry and basil, and suddenly the paloma becomes spring’s MVP. It’s zesty, pink, and perfectly effervescent. Ideal for brunch spreads and long picnics.

Ingredients:

  • 3 strawberries, chopped
  • 5 basil leaves
  • 1/2 oz agave syrup
  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
  • 3 oz chilled grapefruit soda or club soda
  • Pinch of salt
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Muddle strawberries and basil with agave in a shaker.
  2. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, and ice. Shake briefly.
  3. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass and top with soda.
  4. Stir gently and garnish with basil.

Salt the rim if you love that classic paloma flair. Want more bite? Swap grapefruit soda for club soda and add an extra 1/4 oz lime juice.

9. Strawberry Basil French 75 Glow-Up

The French 75 got dressed for spring. Strawberry-basil syrup brings color and charm while the bubbles keep things elegant. Serve this when you want oohs and ahhs with minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 oz strawberry-basil syrup (see tip below)
  • 3–4 oz chilled Champagne or dry sparkling wine
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Add gin, lemon juice, and strawberry-basil syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake briskly.
  2. Fine-strain into a chilled flute.
  3. Top with Champagne and give a tiny, careful stir.

To make the syrup: Simmer 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup chopped strawberries, and 10 basil leaves for 5 minutes; cool, strain, and chill. FYI, this syrup turns mocktails magical too.

10. Strawberry Basil Mojito That Brings The Garden To Your Glass

This mojito trades mint for basil, and wow—instant upgrade. It tastes garden-fresh and not too sweet, with a juicy strawberry finish. You’ll want to make a pitcher for friends, then “taste test” a second batch for quality control.

Ingredients:

  • 5–6 fresh basil leaves
  • 4 strawberries, sliced
  • 2 tsp superfine sugar or 1/2 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • 2 oz white rum
  • 3–4 oz chilled club soda
  • Crushed ice

Instructions:

  1. Add basil, strawberries, and sugar to a tall glass. Gently muddle to release juices without shredding the basil.
  2. Add lime juice and rum. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Fill the glass with crushed ice and top with club soda.
  4. Lift the mixture from the bottom with a bar spoon to combine.

Garnish with a basil sprig and a lime wheel. For a garden party flex, add a tiny pinch of black pepper—it wakes up the basil’s peppery kick, seriously.

Ready to toast spring? These strawberry basil cocktails bring the sunshine, the fizz, and the “wow, make me another” energy. Mix one tonight, then bookmark this lineup for your next backyard hang—your friends will think you moonlight as a bartender.

Leave a Comment