Strawberry Basil Martini

A bright and fruity martini accented with an ideal amount of fresh basil and lime, and topped off with a little bit of sparkle. Make your own strawberry basil martini and enjoy this chilled, fun, refreshing drink.

What Equipment Do I Need?

Before you get started, you will need a few basic cocktail-making essentials to put together this recipe. Here are some things to have on hand:

• Cocktail Shaker - used for muddling, shaking, and straining the drink. A must.
• Martini Glasses - the long stem helps the martini stay chilled longer, and the shape of the bowl inhibits separation of the ingredients
• Muddling Tool - for perfectly releasing oils and juices from the basil and strawberries.

Do I Need A Muddling Tool?

Ideally, a muddling took, or muddler, like this one can be quite helpful when creating your strawberry basil martini or all kinds of other cocktails. If you're someone who doesn't often make beverages, then you might be wondering if it's worth spending money on a tool that will just take up more space in your kitchen drawers. If you do not have a muddler, here are some other tools you can use:

• The handle of a wooden spoon
• The end of a rolling pin
• Mortar and pestle
• Wooden dowel (like those used to stabilize layer cakes)

Ingredients For A Strawberry Basil Martini

So you have your tools and you're ready to create some adult beverage deliciousness. Here's what you'll need:

• Strawberries - 3 large ripe strawberries or 5 small ones. You'll want to remove the stems and cut into large-ish chunks for easier muddling. Have an extra couple of strawberries around for garnish - pretty cocktails always taste better!
• Basil - use about 5 fresh leaves, plus more for garnishing the glass.
• Simple Syrup - if you don't have any, either from a bottle or already made, heat equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan until sugar is completely dissolve. Heat an additional 5 minutes, remove from heat, and let cool. It will thicken slightly as it cools.
• Lime Juice - use 100% juice (not from concentrate or with added ingredients) from the jar or you can squeeze some fresh limes.
• Vodka - use your favorite brand! We keep our vodka stored in the freezer so it's extra chilly.
• Ice - for shake, shake, shaking!
• Club Soda - not typically used in martinis, I like the addition of a tablespoon or two of club soda to add just a tad bit of sparkle. Leave this out if you don't want to use it.

What Is The Right Way to Muddle?

You don't want to smash the strawberries and basil into an unrecognizable pulp. Use firm pressure and press against the strawberries and basil 4-5 times to release oils and juices. It is okay if a small amount of strawberry bits seep through the strainer after shaking.

Can I Use Dried or Ground Basil?

I recommend using only fresh basil leaves in this recipe so that the oils in the leaves are released during the muddling process, infusing the drink with the perfect amount of basil flower. Buying fresh cut basil leaves can get expensive, so I recommend buying a basil plant for indoors or outdoors - depending on where you live - for much cheaper access to basil all year long!

My standard grocery store (Kroger, Ingles..) carry young basil plants for only a few dollars. Check out your local stores and see if you can grab one!

Can This Recipe Be Made In Advance?

I don't recommend making strawberry basil martinis ahead of time. Even if you store it in the fridge, the ingredients will slowly separate and lose the aeration and emulsification that happens in a freshly-shaken cocktail.

You can, however, prepare individual ingredients ahead of time such as washing and cutting strawberries, making simple syrup, or squeezing lime juice.

Other Fun Grown-Up Beverages

Want to make some other creative adult beverages? Try these recipes:

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Shots
• Blood Orange Cosmo
• Blood Orange Mulled Wine
• Hot Buttered Rum

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