The Strawberry Smash is pure cocktail joy in a glass—a juicy, fragrant blend of fresh strawberries, aromatic mint, bright lemon juice, and your spirit of choice, all topped off with a bubbly splash of club soda. This drink shouts “spring into summer” with every sip, balancing sweet, tart, and herbal notes for a cocktail that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether you’re toasting a sunny afternoon, hosting a cozy gathering, or just looking to treat yourself, the Strawberry Smash delivers ultimate refreshment with style and sass.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Muddle:
- 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 fresh mint leaves
Cocktail:
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Club soda to top
- Extra mint and strawberries for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Smash
Step 1: Muddle the Magic
Grab your sturdiest cocktail glass or shaker. Drop in the sliced strawberries, sprinkle over the sugar, and toss in the fresh mint leaves. Use a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to gently smash everything together. You’re looking for a juicy, fragrant mixture where the berries are slightly crushed and the mint releases its lovely oils. Don’t rush this step—the muddling brings the Strawberry Smash’s vibrant base to life!
Step 2: Add Spirits and Citrus
Time to build the backbone of your cocktail. Pour in the gin or vodka, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combination will create a beautiful harmony of botanical, boozy, sweet, and tart flavors, setting the stage for a seriously sippable Strawberry Smash.
Step 3: Shake and Chill
Fill your shaker or glass with plenty of ice, cover it up, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This step melds all the flavors, chills the mix to perfection, and introduces just the right amount of water, so your cocktail is smooth and refreshing, never harsh.
Step 4: Strain and Serve
Strain your Strawberry Smash into a glass filled with fresh ice. You can use a fine mesh strainer to hold back the pulp and mint bits, especially if you like a smooth finish, or pour it rustic-style for that “garden party” feel.
Step 5: Top and Garnish
Give your cocktail its sparkling crown by topping it with a bubbly splash of club soda—just enough to add fizz and lighten the mood. Finish with a generous sprig of mint and a slice of strawberry perched on the rim. Now, it looks as festive as it tastes!
How to Serve Strawberry Smash
Garnishes
Elevate your Strawberry Smash with eye-catching garnishes—think a sprig of fresh mint, a whole or sliced strawberry, and maybe even a twist of lemon peel. These little touches not only add visual flair, but they’ll tantalize your nose and taste buds as you sip. For extra sparkle, try running a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it in raw sugar before pouring the drink.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Smash with light snacks to make your happy hour really shine. Goat cheese crostini, a vibrant caprese salad, or crisp vegetable crudités all play beautifully with the drink’s bright flavors. Simple, salty snacks like marcona almonds or parmesan crisps are wonderful contrasts to the cocktail’s sweet side.
Creative Ways to Present
Unleash your inner entertainer! Serve the Strawberry Smash in vintage cocktail glasses, mason jars for a rustic vibe, or in pitchers for sharing with friends. Layer sliced strawberries and mint leaves inside ice cubes for a stunning look, or rim glasses with colored sugar for a celebratory touch. It’s a drink that loves to dress up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Strawberry Smash (lucky you!), strain out any ice to prevent watering it down and store the liquid in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for a day, though the fresh flavors shine brightest when served immediately. Hold off on adding the club soda and garnishes until just before serving again for the freshest taste and fizz.
Freezing
Want to stretch your Strawberry Smash into slushy territory? You can freeze the muddled strawberry, mint, sugar, and lemon mixture in ice cube trays. When cocktail hour arrives, drop the flavorful cubes into your glass, top with spirits and club soda, and let the flavors melt together. Avoid freezing the finished drink with club soda, as carbonation doesn’t fare well in the freezer.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this refreshing concoction—in fact, keep it as cold as possible! If your Strawberry Smash has been chilling in the fridge for a while, simply stir in fresh ice and a splash more club soda before serving to revive its sparkling personality.
FAQs
Can I make a non-alcoholic Strawberry Smash?
Absolutely! Just leave out the gin or vodka and add a little extra club soda (or even try tonic water or lemon-lime soda for extra zing). You’ll still have a fruity, minty, perfectly refreshing drink for all ages.
What’s the best spirit for a Strawberry Smash—gin or vodka?
It comes down to personal taste. Gin adds aromatic, botanically complex notes that play beautifully with mint and strawberry, while vodka lets the fruit shine for a cleaner sip. Can’t decide? Try a half-and-half split!
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Frozen berries will work in a pinch, but you’ll want to let them thaw completely and drain off any excess liquid before muddling. The flavor and color may be a bit softer, but your Strawberry Smash will still be delicious.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Play with the amount of sugar to suit your taste! Love it sweet? Add an extra teaspoon. Prefer something more tart? Cut the sugar in half or skip it entirely, especially if your berries are really ripe.
Can I batch this recipe for a party?
You bet. Simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need, muddle the fruit and mint in a pitcher, add the spirits and lemon juice, and refrigerate. When it’s party time, pour over ice and top each glass with club soda and garnish. Easy, impressive, and fun!
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how easy and delightful a Strawberry Smash is to make, I hope you’ll shake one up soon for yourself or someone you love. This drink truly captures the magic of fresh ingredients and good company—let it be your go-to for any occasion that calls for sweet sips and big smiles!
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Strawberry Smash Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of summer with this delightful Strawberry Smash cocktail. Made with fresh strawberries, mint, and a splash of gin or vodka, it’s the perfect drink to enjoy on a warm day.
Ingredients
ScaleFresh Strawberry Muddle:
- 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 fresh mint leaves
Cocktail:
- 2 ounces gin or vodka
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- Ice cubes
- Club soda to top
- Extra mint and strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Fresh Strawberry Muddle: In a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker, muddle the sliced strawberries, sugar, and mint leaves until the berries release their juices and the mint is fragrant.
- Cocktail: Add the gin or vodka and lemon juice. Fill with ice, cover, and shake well for about 15 seconds. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with a splash of club soda and gently stir. Garnish with extra mint leaves and a strawberry slice. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Try using basil instead of mint for a fun twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
