Strawberry Basil Smash (alcohol-free)
A fresh mocktail of muddled strawberries, basil and citrus, topped with soda for a light summer finish.
Ingredients
- Strawberry, fresh, hulled and chopped60 g
- Basil, rolled lightly between the palms to release the aroma4 leaves
- Lemon juice, freshly squeezed15 ml
- Agave syrup10 ml
- Soda water, chilled150 ml
- Basil, to garnish (optional)1 leaf
- Strawberry, to garnish (optional)1 slice
- Lemon, to garnish (optional)1 wheel
Method
- Wash and hull the strawberries and cut them into small pieces.
- Gently roll the basil leaves between your palms to release their aroma.
- Put the strawberries, basil, lemon juice and agave syrup into a glass or shaker.
- Muddle gently until the strawberries are juicy and the basil is fragrant; don't over-muddle or it turns bitter.
- Fill the glass with ice cubes.
- Top with chilled soda water and stir lightly.
- For a smoother drink, strain into a fresh glass of ice.
- Garnish with a basil leaf, a strawberry slice and a lemon wheel, and serve straight away.
About this drink
The smash family goes back to the muddled drinks of the 1800s, where fruit and fresh herbs were pressed together with sugar and ice for maximum aroma. This alcohol-free version borrows the same technique but swaps the spirit for soda, so the sweetness of the strawberries and the green freshness of basil take centre stage. It is perfect for brunch or warm afternoons when you want something that tastes of summer without the hangover.
