Can you fall in love with a cocktail at first sip? I definitely did when I first tasted the beauty that is the strawberry basil martini a few years ago. And I’m SO excited to share with you my at-home version of this deliciously fresh and fruity cocktail.
One of the first cocktails I ever tried was the iconic cosmopolitan made ultra famous by Ms. Carrie Bradshaw. Ever since, I’ve been a fan of nearly any sweet drink that is served in a martini glass.
Fast forward several years and I’m at a restaurant here in Toronto called Scaddabush. With a menu full of delicious italian food, we found ourselves there often. Their herby cocktails became the highlight of my meal. The cucumber gin + tonic, blood orange margaritas, then I tried the strawberry basil martini.
Have you ever tried a drink and thought to yourself, this is what I would taste like if I were a cocktail. This is my spirit drink.
Fresh strawberry, vibrant basil, refreshing lime, it all came together in the perfect martini glass with the brightest natural red colour I’ve ever seen a drink be.
Imagine my heartbreak when they removed it from the menu. Something about the supplier not making the strawberry syrup anymore.
It wasn’t until a year later I was on vacation in Puerto Rico dining at Serafina that the strawberry martini and I were reunited. Of course our affair was short lived because my vacation was only a weekend.
Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to perfect an at-home version of this summer cocktail recipe.
And I’ve finally done it.
How to Make Strawberry Basil Syrup
This is similar to a simple syrup (sugar and water) with the addition of fresh strawberries. You can find my quick recipe here.
Feel free to double the syrup recipe and store it in the fridge for a few weeks. This strawberry basil martini comes together quickly when the syrup is ready and waiting for you to make this easy summer cocktail.
Food Pairings to Serve With
Personally, the real question here is when isn’t this the perfect drink to serve. But if you’re looking to really impress guests, serve this as an aperitif (before dinner) preceding fresh pasta or other homemade Italian favourites. A margherita pizza or spaghetti with marinara sauce topped with fresh basil, of course, would be a delectable menu following this summer cocktail with basil.
Strawberry Basil Martini
Course: CocktailsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy1
drink3
minutesIngredients
2 oz of gin or vodka
½ oz fresh lime juice
Directions
- In a cocktail shaker with ice, add all ingredients. Shake for 30 seconds until shaker is frosty on the outside.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with lime and a tiny strawberry.
What’s your spirit cocktail? Let me know in the comments below.
If you make this strawberry basil martini, take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lilymuffinsblog. I’ll be sure to like and comment!
