About the Strawberry Basil Bliss cocktail
As May blooms into full swing, there’s no better way to celebrate than with Strawberry Basil Bliss, a bright, herbaceous cocktail that sings of spring. This refreshing sipper combines sweet strawberries, aromatic basil, and zesty lemon for a flavor trio that’s both lively and harmonious—like sunshine in a glass.
While the exact origins of the strawberry-basil cocktail are hazy, it’s a modern evolution of the gin smash, a category known for muddled fruit, herbs, and citrus. The genius lies in its balance: the jammy sweetness of strawberries plays off the peppery freshness of basil, while lemon juice and gin sharpen the edges. Topped with effervescent sparkling water, it’s light yet layered—perfect for al fresco sipping or a spring brunch.
Pro Tip: Muddle gently—you want to release the basil’s oils and the strawberry’s juices, not pulverize them. Shake hard for a frothy chill!
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. gin
- 3 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 3–4 fresh basil leaves
- ½ oz. simple syrup
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- Sparkling water (to top)
- Ice
Instructions:
- Muddle strawberries, basil, and simple syrup in a shaker.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Top with sparkling water and garnish with a basil leaf and strawberry slice.
For a truly elevated experience, Glendalough Wild Rose Gin is the ideal match. Its delicate floral notes of rose and elderflower weave seamlessly with the strawberries and basil, adding a soft, romantic complexity without overpowering. The result? A smoother, more harmonious sip that feels like a spring garden in a glass—slightly sweet, subtly floral, and utterly refreshing.
