My go-to strawberry drink of the summer is this strawberry whiskey smash. And yes, you can make it a summer strawberry 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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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 my apple whiskey smash recipe you are going to love this summer version.
👩🏻🍳 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. I prefer to stick with a classic rye or whiskey such as Bulleit or Jack Daniels for this recipe.
- Fresh Strawberries- You can also use frozen strawberries if making this strawberry smash out of season.
- 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.
⏲️How to Make a Whiskey Smash
Basil Simple Syrup
Simple syrups are easy-just combine sugar and water in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves (just a few minutes).
Remove from heat, toss in the basil, and let it cool while the flavor infuses. Strain out the basil before using.
You'll have extra syrup, and that's a good thing. It keeps in the fridge for weeks-perfect for more cocktails later.
Muddle the Fruit and Herbs
Place the sliced strawberries and fresh (new!) basil in a cocktail shaker-skip the basil from the syrup. Muddle well with a wooden muddler until the berries release their juices and the basil gets fragrant. You're after flavor, not pulp!
Shake the Cocktail
Add the remaining ingredients and ice cocktail shaker. Shake until the outside of the cocktail shaker is very cold to the touch.
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.
🍾Strawberry Whiskey Cocktail for a Crowd
This smash cocktail recipe can be easily tripled or more. And it is perfect for making ahead.
My best tip for a 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.
👩🏻🍳 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.
- For the simple syrup, be sure to use the same herb that you use when muddling the cocktail to keep the flavors in harmony.
- Make the simple syrup in advance so it has time to cool.
- All distilled spirits are considered gluten-free even if the mash uses gluten-containing ingredients (source: Beyond Celiac).
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.
No, simple syrup is used in cocktails because cold alcohol will prevent the sugar crystals from dissolving.
You can use a wooden spoon or the end of a French rolling pin.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Strawberry Whiskey Smash
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whiskey or bourbon
- 1 ounce 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 ounce 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.
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