Bright, herbaceous, and utterly refreshing — this Strawberry Basil Smash (Vegan) spring cocktail makes warm afternoons taste like sunshine in a glass. It looks cute, drinks lighter than it looks, and takes five minutes to make. Sound like your kind of drink? Great — let’s make one.
Why you’ll fall for this drink
This cocktail (or mocktail — your call) balances sweet strawberries with peppery basil and a hint of lime. The result tastes fresh and grown-up, not syrupy soda. I love it because it doubles as a pretty Instagram moment and a practical thirst-quencher for backyard hangs.
Ever wondered why basil pairs so nicely with strawberry? The herb brings herbal lift and a subtle anise note that brightens the fruit without stealing the show. FYI, that pairing feels fancy but stays super simple — which I always appreciate.
Quick Recipe Info (so you can skim like a human)
- Course: Drinks / Mocktails
- Cuisine: Alcohol-free drinks (vegan)
- Difficulty: Super easy
- Servings: 1 glass (single serving)
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Primary keyword: Strawberry Basil Smash (Vegan) spring cocktail — use this when searching or tagging.
Ingredients (single serving — follow the exact measurements)
- 3 medium strawberries, hulled and cut into pieces
- 3 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/2 a lime, juiced
- Crushed ice — about 1 cup
- Sparkling water or soda, to top (about 4–6 oz / 120–180 ml)
- Optional (alcohol): 1.5 oz gin or vodka — add if you want a boozy version (skip for vegan mocktail)
Bold tip: Keep your strawberries ripe but firm for best muddling results.
Equipment — what you need on hand
- Old-fashioned glass or highball glass
- Muddler (or wooden spoon / sturdy pestle)
- Jigger (if you add alcohol)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon for stirring
- Ice crusher or a rolling pin + bag for crushed ice (optional)
You don’t need anything fancy. If you don’t own a muddler, use a wooden spoon and press firmly. I’ve made dozens with a spoon; it works just fine, promise.
Full recipe — step-by-step for Strawberry Basil Smash
- Prep the fruit and basil. Wash and hull the strawberries. Roughly chop them and tear the basil leaves. Juice half a lime and set everything beside the glass.
- Muddle. Add the strawberries, basil, and lime juice to your glass. Use your muddler (or spoon) to gently crush the berries and bruise the basil. Aim for fragrant aromatics and broken-down fruit, not a smoothie.
- Add ice. Fill the glass with crushed ice to the top. Crushed ice chills quickly and gives the drink a slushy, refreshing texture.
- Top and stir. Pour sparkling water over the ice until the glass reaches near the rim. If you want alcohol, add 1.5 oz gin before topping. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine flavors.
- Garnish and serve. Float a small basil leaf and a halved strawberry on top. Squeeze a tiny extra lime wedge if you want more tang. Sip and enjoy!
Serving note: This recipe serves 1. Double or triple the ingredient amounts to make pitchers for a crowd.
Calories & nutrition (rough estimate)
- Vegan mocktail (no alcohol):~60 kcal per serving.
- Strawberries (3): ~54 kcal total. Lime and basil add negligible calories. Sparkling water adds none.
- Alcoholic version (add 1.5 oz gin):~170–180 kcal per serving.
- Gin adds approx. 110–120 kcal. Adjust if you use a different spirit.
These numbers remain estimates — substitutions (simple syrups, sweeteners, or regular soda) will raise the calorie count quickly. If you want to keep it light, stick to sparkling water.
Variations & flavor upgrades
Want to play around? Try these quick swaps:
- Honey/simple syrup? Use agave or maple syrup for a vegan sweetener. Add ½ tsp if your strawberries taste tart.
- Citrus twist: Use lemon instead of lime for a softer acidity.
- Herb swap: Try mint for a cooler profile or Thai basil for a peppery zing.
- Boozy upgrades: Gin adds floral notes; vodka keeps it neutral. For a smoky twist, try a splash of mezcal (if you like drama).
Each variation changes the character slightly. IMO, the original basil + strawberry combo stays the most balanced.
Make-ahead & storage tips
This drink tastes best fresh. The fizz and basil aroma fade quickly, so I don’t recommend fully assembling ahead. However, you can prep components:
- Macerate strawberries (slice + a sprinkle of sugar) and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Make a batch of simple syrup (equal parts sugar + water) and keep it in the fridge for a week. Use vegan sweeteners if needed.
- Pre-mix a pitcher (no ice, no soda). When guests arrive, add ice and sparkling water to revive the fizz.
Pro tip: If you must store mixed drinks, keep them in airtight bottles and drink within a day. No one likes sad, flat bubbles.
Pairings — what to serve with it
This cocktail complements light spring bites. Try:
- Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette
- Goat-cheese crostini (vegan cheese works great)
- Light seafood or tofu skewers
- Simple pastries for brunch
Want a mocktail-only party? Offer a few small plates like marinated olives, sliced baguette, and herb-dusted roasted chickpeas. This drink plays well with mild, fresh flavors.
Still Hungry, Try It Next recipe :-
Watermelon Lime Spritzer (Vegan) — Spring Cocktail
Common mistakes & fixes
- Too bland? Add a tiny pinch of sugar or simple syrup, or use riper strawberries.
- Too bitter (basil overdone)? Muddle the basil gently next time; avoid pulverizing stems.
- Flat fizz? Use cold sparkling water and add ice just before serving. Don’t over-stir.
- Fruit pulp clogging straw? Strain through a fine mesh or use a chunkier straw.
I once muddled so hard I nearly created jam in my glass. Lesson learned: gentle pressure wins.
How this compares to other spring mocktails
- Vs. Strawberry Lemonade: The Basil Smash tastes herbaceous and less sugary. Strawberry lemonade sits sweeter and more citrus-forward.
- Vs. Cucumber Mint Cooler: The Smash tastes fruitier and brighter. The cucumber drink reads as ultra-refreshing and vegetal.
- Vs. Virgin Mojito: Both use herbs and citrus, but the Smash focuses on fruit and pairs better with sweet desserts.
If you want a lighter, herb-forward sipper, pick the Strawberry Basil Smash (Vegan) spring cocktail. If you crave tartness, reach for lemonade.
Serving for a crowd (pitcher method)
To scale this to four people, multiply the ingredients:
- 12 strawberries
- 12 basil leaves
- 2 limes (juiced)
- Crushed ice (lots)
- Sparkling water, about 1 L (or top per glass)
Muddle strawberries and basil in a large pitcher, add lime, then chill. When guests arrive, add ice and sparkling water, stir gently, and serve. Keep a small bowl of extra basil for garnish.
Final tips from my kitchen
- Use cold ingredients to keep fizz alive.
- Ripeness matters more than fancy brands. Buy tasty strawberries and the drink will sing.
- Keep basil fresh in a glass of water if you plan to host; it stays perky longer.
- Have fun with presentation — a strawberry wedge and basil sprig go a long way in photos.
Also, if you ever find someone who doesn’t like basil with strawberry, check their pulse — kidding, kind of.
You may also like Next recipe:-
Non-Alcoholic Vegan Garden Sour Cocktail — Spring Cocktail
Lavender Lemonade Spritz Vegan — Spring Cocktail Recipe
Spring Berry Mojito (Vegan) Cocktail Recipe
Wrap-up
The Strawberry Basil Smash (Vegan) spring cocktail proves that simple ingredients can make a memorable drink. It plays light and fresh at brunch, looks gorgeous on social media, and keeps calories low if you skip the booze. So why not try it this weekend? Whip one up, take a sip, and tell me if your basil plant survived the experience (mine sometimes doesn’t).
Strawberry Basil Smash (Vegan) — Spring Cocktail
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prep the fruit and basil. Wash and hull the strawberries. Roughly chop them and tear the basil leaves. Juice half a lime and set everything beside the glass.
- Muddle. Add the strawberries, basil, and lime juice to your glass. Use your muddler (or spoon) to gently crush the berries and bruise the basil. Aim for fragrant aromatics and broken-down fruit, not a smoothie.
- Add ice. Fill the glass with crushed ice to the top. Crushed ice chills quickly and gives the drink a slushy, refreshing texture.
- Top and stir. Pour sparkling water over the ice until the glass reaches near the rim. If you want alcohol, add 1.5 oz gin before topping. Give the drink a gentle stir to combine flavors.
- Garnish and serve. Float a small basil leaf and a halved strawberry on top. Squeeze a tiny extra lime wedge if you want more tang. Sip and enjoy!
- Serving note: This recipe serves 1. Double or triple the ingredient amounts to make pitchers for a crowd.
Notes
Serving for a crowd (pitcher method)
To scale this to four people, multiply the ingredients:- 12 strawberries
- 12 basil leaves
- 2 limes (juiced)
- Crushed ice (lots)
- Sparkling water, about 1 L (or top per glass)
Hi — I’m Rachel. I’m a wife, a mom, and a home cook who believes that food should bring comfort, joy, and compassion to the table. I live with my family — two hungry little foodies who are my most honest recipe testers — and together we’ve built a kitchen culture that’s all about good food that happens to be 100% vegan. I started this blog because I wanted a place to share the recipes that keep our days moving, the dishes that make weeknights feel a little easier, and the meals that become our little family traditions.