Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on a classic cocktail, this Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe is just the thing to brighten your day. Combining the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the fragrant warmth of fresh basil, it makes a delightful sipper for sunny afternoons or lively gatherings. I love how the strawberry simple syrup adds a natural sweetness without overpowering the fresh herbal notes — it’s honestly the perfect balance every time.

I first stumbled on this combo during a summer barbecue and was instantly hooked. The Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe works wonderfully not just as a cocktail but as a conversation starter because people always ask what’s in it. Plus, it’s a simple, approachable recipe that you can whip up quickly, even if you’re new to mixing drinks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe plays a key role in layering flavors and creating that signature freshness. Here’s the scoop on what you need and why I think they work so well together.

• Strawberries: Fresh is best, but frozen works fine too—just thaw them first to release their flavor.
• Water: For making the simple syrup; use clean, filtered water if possible for the purest taste.
• Granulated sugar: The classic choice for simple syrup to balance tartness and add sweetness without any funky aftertaste.
• Sweet basil leaves: These add a fragrant, slightly spicy note that pairs so well with strawberry’s sweetness.
• White rum: Go for a good quality bottle—you’ll thank yourself when your cocktail tastes smooth, not harsh.
• Club soda: To add that bubbly lift and lighten the drink; feel free to adjust the amount based on how fizzy you like it.

Variations

I like to play around with the Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. Personalizing it makes the experience even more fun and ensures every glass suits your taste perfectly.

• Mint instead of basil: If you’re craving a more traditional mojito vibe, swapping basil for fresh mint brings that classic freshness I first fell in love with in mojitos.
• Use honey simple syrup: For a more natural sweetness and a hint of floral undertone, honey is a nice alternative to granulated sugar.
• Make it a mocktail: Just skip the rum and add extra club soda or a splash of lemon-lime soda for a bubbly, family-friendly version.
• Frozen Strawberry Basil Mojito: Blend the ingredients with ice for a slushy treat that’s perfect for hot, sunny days — perfect summer porch vibes.

How to Make Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Strawberry Simple Syrup

Pop your strawberries, sugar, and water into a small saucepan and gently heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, letting the sugar dissolve completely and the strawberries release their color and aroma — about 10 minutes. Don’t rush this step because that’s where all the flavor magic happens. Once it looks vibrant and fragrant, strain out the solids so you’re left with a smooth, ruby-red syrup. Pro tip: store any extra syrup in a jar in the fridge—it makes a killer addition to iced teas or drizzled on desserts!

Step 2: Muddle Strawberries and Basil

In your glass, place the sliced strawberries and basil leaves, then gently muddle them together to release the juice and oils. The key is gentle pressure so you release flavor without shredding the basil into bits, which can get bitter. I like using a muddler, but the back of a wooden spoon works just as well if you’re in a pinch.

Step 3: Add Rum and Strawberry Syrup

Pour in the white rum, followed by a generous splash of your homemade strawberry simple syrup. This is where everything starts to come together. Give it a little stir so the flavors meld nicely before topping with club soda.

Step 4: Top with Club Soda and Ice

Add ice cubes to chill it down — I prefer big cubes so it mellows slowly — and top off with 2 to 4 ounces of club soda, depending on how fizzy and light you want your drink. Give your mojito a gentle stir once more so the soda blends in without washing out the flavors.

How to Serve Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe

Garnishes

I always garnish my Strawberry Basil Mojito with a fresh basil leaf and a slice of strawberry on the rim—it just adds that extra pop of color and aroma that makes the drink feel special. Sometimes I toss in a lime wedge for an added zesty kick, especially if I’m serving friends who like their drinks a bit tangier.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cocktail with light, fresh foods works best. I love serving it alongside grilled shrimp skewers, a crisp watermelon and feta salad, or even some homemade bruschetta. The strawberry and basil flavors really complement summery, herbaceous dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe in mason jars with colorful paper straws or in elegant coupe glasses for a classy feel. Another fun idea: freeze whole strawberry slices and basil leaves into ice cubes beforehand—they look stunning and keep the drink cool without diluting it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover strawberry simple syrup—which often happens around here—I store it in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. It’s perfect for quick cocktails, lemonades, or even as a sweetener in yogurt or oatmeal.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the full mojito cocktail because the soda loses its fizz and the fresh herbs can become mushy. However, the strawberry simple syrup freezes beautifully in ice cube trays—just pop out a cube when you need a splash of flavor in any drink or recipe.

Reheating

The simple syrup can be gently reheated on the stove or in the microwave if it’s too thick or crystallized from refrigeration. Just warm it enough to loosen it up, no need to boil again. As for the mojito itself, it’s best enjoyed fresh—once mixed, the flavors and carbonation diminish over time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe is definitely one of those cocktails I reach for when I want something vibrant but not too complicated. It’s a wonderful way to showcase fresh ingredients in a genuinely refreshing way that’s perfect both for weeknight unwinding and for impressing guests. Trust me, once you try how easy and delicious it is, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for all your sunny-day refreshments. Go ahead, give it a try and share the magic with your friends — you won’t regret it!

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