My strawberry cocktail of the summer is this strawberry whiskey smash. And yes, you can make it a summer bourbon smash if you prefer! This cocktail is a seasonal take on the classic whiskey smash cocktail using fresh berries and herbs from the garden.
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Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!
A smash cocktail is one that muddles fruit with herbs, traditionally lemon and mint, but can be made to fit every season. If you enjoyed our Apple Whiskey Smash recipe you are going to love this summer version.
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👩🏻🍳 Why This Recipe Works
This smash cocktail follows the same process as a traditional whiskey smash but uses berries and basil for a summer take. Like with all smash cocktails, you can make this with bourbon, rye, or whiskey.
The homemade simple syrup can be used in other summertime drinks. And we convert this recipe to a pitcher version to serve a crowd.
🧾Ingredient Notes
You can use any rye, whiskey, or bourbon you like in this cocktail. All distilled spirits are considered gluten-free even if the mash uses gluten-containing ingredients (source: Beyond Celiac).
But because some additives and flavorings contain gluten I prefer to stick with a classic rye or whiskey such as Bulleit or Jack Daniels for this recipe.
There are some small craft distilleries that make a 100% corn mash bourbon, check with your local liquor store if this is something you are concerned about.
In addition, you will need:
- Fresh Strawberries- You can also use frozen strawberries if making this strawberry smash out of season.
- Lemon Juice
- Club Soda- The club soda provides a refreshing effervescence.
- Sugar- I use cane sugar but you can also use honey as we do in our paloma.
- Fresh Basil- I prefer basil over fresh mint leaves because it provides a more subtle flavor. If you go with mint be sure to taste it first. There are wide varieties of mint and not all have a pleasant flavor for this type of drink.
For the simple syrup, be sure to use the same herb that you use when muddling the cocktail to keep the flavors in harmony.
See the recipe card for exact quantities. The recipe makes two cocktails, to make a large batch of cocktails press the 3x button to increase the recipe quantities.
⏲️How to Make a Whiskey Smash
We are going to start by making the basil simple syrup so it can cool while we make the rest of the cocktail.
Step 1- Basil Simple Syrup
All simple syrups are made by mixing water and sugar in a saucepan heating over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. It should only take a few minutes for the sugar to dissolve completely.
Remove from the heat and add in the basil. Let the syrup cool completely while the basil infuses the liquid. Remove the basil before using.
This recipe will make more simple syrup than the cocktail calls for. The remaining syrup can be stored in the fridge for several weeks. All the more reason to make more strawberry cocktails!
Step 2-Muddle the Fruit and Herbs
Place the sliced strawberries and fresh basil (not the basil from the syrup) in your cocktail shaker. Use a wooden muddler to mash the strawberries and basil together. The goal for the strawberries is to release their juices and the basil to release its oil.
Step 3- Shake the Cocktail
Add your choice of whiskey or bourbon, simple syrup, and lemon juice to the cocktail shaker. Fill completely with ice. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker is very cold to the touch, at least 10 seconds.
Step 4- Serve
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Whiskey smashes are typically served over crushed ice, but cubed ice is fine.
Top with the club soda. Garnish with extra basil leaves and strawberry slices.
🍾Summer Whiskey Smash for a Crowd
This smash cocktail recipe can be easily tripled or more. And it is perfect for making ahead.
My best tip for make-ahead smash cocktail is to combine all the ingredients EXCEPT for the club soda in a blender. Pulse a few times but DO NOT puree the fruit. We just want to break it up a bit.
Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain into a pitcher. Chill until you are ready to serve. It will keep in the fridge for several hours. When serving pour over crushed ice and top with the club soda.
You can also serve this strawberry bourbon smash as a punch. Add your chilled and strained cocktail to the punch bowl. Add the club soda and frozen whole strawberries and whole basil leaves for decoration.
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
Make a slushy whiskey smash by combining one cup of ice with the strained drink in a high blender. Blend on high until just slushy. Serve up.
More Summer Cocktail Recipes
💬Frequently Asked Questions
You can make crushed ice by placing your ice cubes in a freezer back and beating with a rolling pin. Alternatively, if you need crushed ice for a crowd you can purchase it for just a few dollars at any Sonic location.
However, this cocktail recipe is perfectly fine served over ice cubes.
No, simple syrup is used in cocktails because cold alcohol will prevent the sugar crystals from dissolving. Unless a recipe specifically calls for sugar or it is a blended drink, stick with the syrup.
Essentially, the Smash is a type of Julep cocktail. The smash has the addition of fruit whereas a Julep just has fresh herbs, typically mint.
You can use a wooden spoon or the end of a french rolling pin.
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry Whiskey Smash
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounces basil simple syrup
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 3 ounces club soda
- 8 strawberries sliced, plus extra for garnish
- 6 basil leaves
Basil Simple Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 ounce fresh basil
Instructions
- Muddle the strawberries land basil in your cocktail shaker.8 strawberries, 6 basil leaves
- Add whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice. Shake until well-chilled, about 10 to 20 seconds.4 ounces whiskey
- Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with basil leaves and strawberries.1 ounces basil simple syrup, 3 ounces club soda, ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Basil Simple Syrup
- Add sugar and water into a small pan over medium-high heat and mix together.½ cup water, ½ cup sugar
- Bring mixture to a simmer. Heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, add basil leaves and let cool completely. Strain or remove the basil leaves.2 ounce fresh basil
Video
Notes
- Whiskey, bourbon, or rye whiskey can be used in this recipe.
- Leftover basil simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
Nutrition
Preview our Strawberry Whiskey Smash Webstory!
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