Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash

Holiday cocktails usually lean warm and cozy, but sometimes you want something fresh and lively to balance all the rich food and winter flavors. The Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash brings exactly that energy. It is a bright, fruity Christmas recipe that also works perfectly as a New Years cocktail thanks to its crisp finish and beautiful ruby color. The mix of strawberry, basil, and gin creates a drink that smells as good as it tastes, with a freshness that instantly lifts the mood.

I first made this cocktail for a New Years Eve dinner where everything on the table was heavy and comforting. When I served this, the room lit up. People loved how it offered something different from the usual holiday spices and boozy warmers. The basil added a fresh herbal note, the strawberries tasted sweet and seasonal, and the gin kept it smooth and balanced. I remember thinking that this drink felt like the perfect bridge between the end of the year and the start of a new one.

This cocktail is also fun to make because it involves muddling. There is something satisfying about crushing fresh fruit and herbs together and watching the color bloom inside the shaker. It is simple, quick, and always beautiful in the glass. Whether you are hosting a holiday dinner, planning a New Years party, or just want something refreshing during the winter season, the Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash is a drink worth adding to your lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash blends fruity sweetness with a herbal twist, making it stand out from typical winter cocktails. It offers the ideal balance of fresh, bright flavors without losing the spirit of holiday cheer. This drink also looks stunning, which makes it a great option for parties, photos, and toasts.

• Refreshing and Bright: A great option when you want something lighter during winter gatherings.
• Simple Prep: A little muddling and shaking is all it takes.
• Gorgeous Color: The vibrant red strawberry base makes it festive for Christmas and New Years.
• Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the strawberry syrup to suit your taste and guests.
• Naturally Aromatic: Fresh basil brings a fragrant touch that feels elegant.
• Versatile Serving Styles: Serve it on the rocks or in a coupe for a more upscale look.

Once you try it, you may find yourself reaching for this drink even outside the holiday season.

Ingredients

This cocktail combines simple ingredients that create a layered and flavorful experience. Fresh strawberries create a juicy base that pairs well with the herbal notes of basil.

The gin adds a crisp spirit backbone, while the lemon juice brightens everything with a touch of acidity. Strawberry syrup ties the flavors together with sweetness that feels natural and fruity.

• 2 oz gin
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• 0.75 oz strawberry syrup
• strawberries diced, for muddling and garnish
• fresh basil leaves for muddling and garnish

Each ingredient plays an important part. The fresh strawberries make the drink vibrant and juicy. Basil adds an herbal scent that enhances the freshness of the cocktail.

Gin brings depth without overwhelming the fruit. The lemon prevents the drink from becoming too sweet and helps highlight all the flavors.

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

Choosing the right gin makes a noticeable difference in the overall taste of your Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash. A smooth, citrus forward gin works great, but you can pick something more herbal if you prefer a botanical twist.

If certain ingredients are harder to find, there are a few easy substitutes that do not change the holiday feel of the cocktail.

• Hendrick’s Gin: Light and floral, works well with basil.
• Tanqueray Gin: Classic choice with clear botanicals.
• Bombay Sapphire: Smooth and ideal for fruit based cocktails.
• Sub for Gin: Use vodka for a cleaner taste that puts more focus on the strawberry.
• Sub for Strawberry Syrup: Use raspberry syrup or muddle extra berries with simple syrup.
• Sub for Basil: Swap with fresh mint for a cooler, brighter twist.

These switches give you flexibility while keeping the drink festive and flavorful.

Equipment and Glassware

The Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash does not require fancy bar tools, but having a few basics will make the process smoother. A shaker is essential because it helps chill the cocktail and mix the muddled ingredients evenly. You can serve the drink in a rocks glass for a casual look or a coupe glass for something more elegant.

You’ll need:

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Strainer
• Jigger
• Rocks glass or coupe glass
• Ice

A coupe glass works especially well if you plan to serve this drink at a New Years gathering where presentation matters.

How to Make It

The process for this cocktail is simple and fun. The muddling step is where most of the flavor develops, because it releases the natural juices and oils from the strawberries and basil. Shaking everything with ice chills the cocktail and blends the flavors into a refreshing winter drink.

1. In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, diced strawberries, and basil leaves.
2. Use a muddler to gently crush the strawberries and basil, releasing their fresh flavors.
3. Add the lemon juice and strawberry syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill and mix the ingredients.
5. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice, or serve straight up in a chilled coupe glass for a more elegant presentation.
6. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and a whole or sliced strawberry for a festive touch.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy this bright and flavorful holiday cocktail.

If you prefer a sweeter drink, simply add a little more strawberry syrup before shaking.

Pro Tips

A few helpful tips can take this cocktail from good to great. Because this drink uses fresh ingredients, small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor and appearance.

• Use ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and brightest color.
• Do not over muddle the basil or it can become bitter.
• Shake hard to fully blend the strawberry syrup and lemon juice.
• Double strain if you want a smoother drink without pulp.
• Chill the glass ahead of time for a crisp and refreshing finish.
• Taste before serving and adjust sweetness or acidity to fit your preference.
• Garnish with large basil leaves for a stronger aroma.

These tips help highlight the freshness of the ingredients and make the cocktail look polished.

Variations

This cocktail is easy to customize based on your taste or the occasion. Whether you want something lighter, alcohol free, or a bit sweeter, there are plenty of ways to adapt this drink without losing its festive appeal.

• Non Alcoholic Version: Use non alcoholic gin and extra muddled strawberries.
• Mint Holiday Smash: Swap basil for mint for a cooler, refreshing twist.
• Sparkling Smash: Top with club soda or Prosecco for added bubbles.
• Winter Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blackberries during muddling.
• Sweeter Version: Increase the strawberry syrup or add a splash of simple syrup.

Each version brings its own personality while keeping the holiday theme intact.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash shines in winter gatherings where you want something fresh and crowd pleasing. It is ideal for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, and especially as a New Years cocktail when people want a bright drink to celebrate the night. The vibrant color also makes it great for festive photos and cocktail boards.

Serve it with:

• Cheese boards with brie or goat cheese
• Holiday appetizers like crostini and stuffed mushrooms
• Fruit based desserts
• Light salads or seafood dishes
• Other fresh cocktails like the Cranberry Ginger Paloma or Strawberry Mimosa

This drink pairs well with food because it is not overly sweet and brings refreshing contrast to heavier holiday dishes.

Storage and Serving Notes

The Strawberry Basil Holiday Smash is best made fresh because of the muddled strawberries and herbs. The aroma and color are strongest right after shaking. If you want to prep ahead, you can mix the strawberry syrup and lemon juice in advance and refrigerate. Add the fresh fruit and basil only when you are ready to shake and serve.

Serve over plenty of ice if making in a rocks glass. For coupe glasses, make sure the drink is chilled well in the shaker so it stays cold without ice.

FAQs

Here are some helpful answers to common questions about making this bright and festive cocktail.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them first, but fresh strawberries give the best texture.

What is the best gin for this recipe?
A citrus forward or botanical gin works well with basil and strawberry.

Can I make this drink sweeter?
Absolutely. Add more strawberry syrup or muddle extra berries.

Does the basil flavor stand out?
It adds aroma and light herbal notes but does not overpower the drink.

Can I batch this cocktail?
You can mix the syrup, lemon, and gin ahead of time, but muddle the fruit and herbs fresh for each serving.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy bright, fruity holiday cocktails like this one, here are some other fresh and festive options that fit perfectly into the winter season.

• Strawberry Mimosas a bubbly and fruity brunch drink.
• Winter Tequila Sunset a citrus forward holiday cocktail with a beautiful color.
• Cranberry Ginger Paloma Pitcher great for holiday parties and group celebrations.
• Pomegranate Champagne Spritz light and sparkling with winter fruit flavors.
• Vodka Frostbite Fizz a cool blue cocktail perfect for winter nights.