Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail: An Elegant and Refreshing Recipe

A truly great cocktail tells a story, and this strawberry basil gin cocktail is a perfect example. It's an elegant, modern classic that's equal parts sweet, herbal, and refreshing. If you're a gin lover looking for a delicious and surprising summer drink, or searching for a simple gin and tonic with strawberry and basil recipe, you've come to the right place. This versatile drink is our go-to for socially distant porch sippin’ and sanity savin’. Cheers!

The Story Behind This Summer Cocktail

One of the very best things about this industry are the connections made with wonderful humans. This recipe was created by our talented friend and photographer, Miranda Hodge, also known as The Bevographer. Miranda regularly collaborates with another fellow small business owner, Julia McLish, of Barkeep OKC. You'll find our products exclusively at Julia's shop in Oklahoma City. We are so proud of our network of partners and can't wait to share more incredible cocktails with you.

A Guide to Our Cocktail Ingredients

The secret to this beautifully layered cocktail lies in the harmony of its ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating its unique flavor profile.

• Dry Gin: A high-quality dry gin provides a crisp, botanical base that complements the fresh strawberry and basil. Its subtle juniper notes are the perfect canvas for the other flavors to shine.
• Basil Simple Syrup: This is the heart of the cocktail's herbal flavor. Making it is simple and adds a fantastic, fresh component that you can't get from store-bought syrups. The basil's peppery notes elevate the entire drink.
• Fresh Strawberries: Muddled strawberries provide the vibrant fruit flavor and a beautiful pink hue. They bring a natural sweetness that balances the other ingredients.
• The Bitters: A few dashes of our El Guapo® Summer Berries Bitters is the final touch. These bitters add a concentrated burst of jammy, ripe berry flavor that enhances the strawberries without making the drink too sweet.
• Balsamic and Olive Oil Mixture: While it sounds unexpected, a small amount of this mixture adds a sophisticated, savory, and slightly acidic finish that makes the cocktail incredibly complex and memorable.

The Strawberry Basil Balsamic Cocktail Recipe

This recipe is simple, elegant, and designed to impress.

Makes one cocktail

• 3 oz dry gin (I used @brokersgin)
• .5 oz basil simple syrup (recipe below)
• .75 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 fresh strawberries, leaves cut out
• 5 dashes  El Guapo™ Summer Berries Bitters
• 1:1 mixture of olive oil + balsamic
• Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a clean, empty cocktail shaker, gently muddle the fresh strawberries.
2. Add the gin, basil simple syrup, lemon juice, and El Guapo® Summer Berries Bitters to the shaker.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, or until the shaker is well chilled.
4. Double strain the mixture into a Nick and Nora or coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and add a bar spoon of the balsamic and olive oil mixture on top.

To make Basil Simple Syrup:

1. Heat 1 cup of water to a rolling boil.
2. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped basil leaves.
3. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Allow the mixture to cool. For maximum basil flavor, refrigerate it overnight.
5. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve. The syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

A Delicious Gin and Tonic with Strawberry and Basil Variation

If you're in the mood for something lighter and effervescent, this is your go-to. This simple gin and tonic with strawberry and basil variation keeps the core flavors of our main recipe while adding a refreshing bubbly twist.

Makes one cocktail

• 2 oz dry gin
• 4-5 fresh strawberries, muddled
• 3 fresh basil leaves, muddled
• 4 dashes El Guapo® Summer Berries Bitters
• Tonic water
• Ice

Instructions:

1. In a highball glass, gently muddle the strawberries and basil.
2. Add the gin and El Guapo® Summer Berries Bitters to the glass.
3. Fill the glass with ice.
4. Top with tonic water and stir gently to combine. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a basil leaf.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?

A: Yes, you can! Frozen strawberries work well for muddling and often provide a more intense flavor. Just be sure to let them thaw slightly before muddling.

Q: What's the best gin for a strawberry and basil cocktail?

A: A classic London Dry gin works perfectly as its juniper and citrus notes complement the fruit and herb. For a more floral cocktail, you could also use an American gin.

Q: What's the difference between the two cocktails on this page?

A: The main difference is the acidity and the mixer. The Strawberry Basil Gin Cocktail is a sour-style drink with a rich texture and a lemon-based acidity. The Gin and Tonic with Strawberry and Basil is a lighter, sparkling highball, with tonic water providing effervescence and a characteristic bittersweet flavor.