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Strawberry Basil Smash

A fruity, herbaceous mocktail with muddled strawberries and fresh basil, brightened with lemon and topped with sparkling water.

Ingredients

• 5 medium strawberries, hulled (plus 1 slice for garnish)
• 6–8 fresh basil leaves (plus tiny sprig to garnish)
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1/2–1 oz (15–30 ml) simple syrup or honey/agave, to taste
• 3–4 oz (90–120 ml) chilled sparkling water
• Ice (crushed or cubes)

Simple syrup: heat equal parts sugar + water until dissolved; cool. Basil syrup = steep a few basil leaves in the warm syrup 10 minutes, strain.

Directions

1. In a shaker or sturdy glass, muddle strawberries and basil until juicy and fragrant.
2. Add lemon juice and 1/2 oz syrup; fill with ice and shake 10–12 seconds (or stir well).
3. Strain (fine strain for fewer seeds) into an ice-filled glass. Top with sparkling water; taste and add more syrup if desired.
4. Garnish with a strawberry slice and small basil sprig.

Flavor: Bright, fruity, lightly herbal with a bubbly finish.

Pitcher Version (Serves 6)

• 2 cups hulled strawberries (about 12–14)
• 1 loosely packed cup basil leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2–3/4 cup simple syrup, to taste
• 3 cups chilled sparkling water
• Ice

1. Muddle strawberries + basil in a large pitcher (or pulse in a blender, then fine strain).
2. Stir in lemon juice and syrup. Chill until serving.
3. Just before serving, add ice and sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish glasses.

Variations

• Lime twist: swap lemon for lime.
• Balsamic kiss: add 1/4 tsp aged balsamic to the shaker for depth.
• Ginger fizz: top with ginger beer instead of sparkling water.
• Frozen: blend all ingredients with a cup of ice for a slushy.

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