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Strawberry Basil Cocktail with simple syrup, vodka, and champagne in the background.
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5 from 1 vote

The BEST Strawberry Basil Cocktail

This Strawberry Basil Cocktail is light and refreshing, with bright strawberry flavor, fresh-squeezed citrus, and the fragrant addition of basil. It’s a beautiful and elegant vodka-champagne cocktail that comes together quickly and easily thanks to a make-ahead strawberry simple syrup!
Prep Time15 minutes
1 hour
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Beverage, Cocktail
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Strawberry Basil Cocktail
Servings: 1
Calories: 214kcal
Author: Kelly Anthony

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Syrup:

  • ⅔ cup roughly chopped strawberries
  • ⅔ cup water
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • Generous pinch of salt
  • About 2 tablespoons basil leaves (optional for extra basil flavor)
  • 1.25 (or 2 ½ tablespoons) fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice

For the Cocktail:

  • 1 ounce citrus vodka
  • ½ ounce orange liqueur
  • 1 ounce strawberry simple syrup
  • 2-3 ounces brut champagne (or club soda)
  • 2 tablespoons basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
  • Sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired

Instructions

Make the Strawberry Syrup:

  • Add the strawberries, water, granulated sugar, and salt to a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and allow the water to come to a boil.
  • As soon as the sugar dissolved, remove it from the heat, stir in the basil leaves, and allow the mixture to steep, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.
  • Place a fine-mesh sieve over a large bowl or measuring pitcher and strain the strawberries. Discard the berries or save them for another use.
  • Stir in the lime juice (if using), transfer to a storage container, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Make the Cocktail:

  • Add the vodka, orange liqueur, simple syrup, and champagne to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Smack the basil leaves between your hands to release the oils, add to the shaker, and seal.
  • Shake vigorously for 30 to 45 seconds, and set aside.
  • Have ready a champagne flute or an 8-ounce glass. Fill with ice, layering it with the sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired.
  • Pour the contents of the shaker over the ice and top off with champagne. Garnish with a sprig of basil, if desired, serve, and enjoy!

Notes

Strawberry Simple Syrup makes about 1 cup (enough for 6-8 cocktails).

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 84mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 211IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg