Strawberry Basil Spritz

Introduction

A sunlit sipper for spring
As the days lengthen and the first berries arrive at market, the Strawberry Basil Spritz feels like a small celebration in a glass. This cocktail combines the bright sweetness of ripe strawberries with the aromatic lift of fresh basil and the delicate floral whisper of elderflower. The result is effervescent, approachable, and easy to scale when friends drop by.
In this post I’ll share how to assemble the spritz so every element sings: how to coax the most strawberry flavor without over-muddling, how to preserve the herbaceous basil character, and how to layer bubbles so the drink remains lively from the first sip to the last. I’ll also cover small technique details I use behind the bar and at home—things that make a simple recipe feel elevated without extra fuss.
Why this cocktail works
It’s built on a simple balance: fruit, herb, spirit, floral, acid, sweetness, and bubbles. Each component plays a clear role, and the approach keeps the drink light and refreshing rather than heavy or syrupy. Whether you’re serving two or a small group, the Strawberry Basil Spritz is forgiving and fast, which is why it’s become a go-to for backyard afternoons and easy entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless, seasonal, and crowd-friendly
If you crave drinks that feel lively and effortless, this spritz checks every box. The recipe is designed so you can make two perfect glasses in a few minutes or scale up for a pitcher without losing brightness.
From a host’s perspective, it’s a dream: minimal prep, mostly pantry-friendly liquor, and ingredients that are easy to source at any neighborhood market. The mocktail-friendly nature of the elements means you can swap or omit alcohol for a lighter version while keeping the same fresh profile. Texture and serving flexibility
This spritz is bubbly and refreshing, yet not overly effervescent—there’s room to adjust the amount of sparkling wine and soda for your preferred level of fizz. Because the fruit is lightly muddled rather than pureed, you retain pleasant seeds and pulp texture that add character without making the drink heavy.
For those who love experimenting, the structure of the drink invites small tweaks: switch gin styles for different botanical notes, try a different floral liqueur, or play with sweetener to suit ripe summer berries. The recipe is a framework, and its simplicity encourages creativity.

Flavor & Texture Profile

What to expect on the palate
The Strawberry Basil Spritz is a study in contrasts and harmony. On first sip you get bright, juicy strawberry top notes, quickly followed by the fresh, slightly peppery lift from basil. The gin provides a botanical backbone that supports rather than overpowers, while the elderflower liqueur adds a subtle floral sweetness that softens the edges.
In terms of texture, the drink sits lightly on the tongue. You’ll notice tiny ribbons of muddled fruit and herb suspended in sparkling wine and soda—a pleasing interplay of pulpy bits and fizz that reads as handcrafted rather than processed. The carbonate gives the drink a lively mouthfeel that refreshes, and the gentle acidity from lemon brightens the middle register so the sweetness never cloys.
Balance tips
When tasting, aim for a clear distinction between the fruit and herb layers: basil should be aromatic without tasting like a leafy vegetable, and strawberry should be fragrant rather than jammy. The sparkling wine should finish clean and slightly dry to keep the drink crisp. If you prefer more floral notes, add a whisper more elderflower; if you prefer a dryer sip, lean into a drier sparkling wine and slightly less syrup. These small adjustments tune the profile without changing the soul of the spritz.

Gathering Ingredients

Quality begins with the produce
Start by seeking the ripest strawberries you can find—bright color and a fragrant aroma are better indicators than size. For basil, choose leaves that are glossy and free of bruising; Thai basil will give a slightly different profile, so stick to sweet basil unless you want a spicier note. For bubbles, a dry Prosecco or sparkling wine provides balance; inexpensive bottles can work as long as they’re not overly sweet.
Shopping and prep notes

• Look for strawberries that are fragrant and evenly colored rather than pale or green-tipped.
• Pick basil that smells intensely herbal when crushed—avoid older stems with brown edges.
• If you don’t have elderflower liqueur, a splash of St-Germain-style liqueur is ideal; otherwise keep it simple with a touch more citrus.
• Use clear simple syrup for the purest sweetness; a honey syrup will add floral weight if you prefer.

Ingredient list

• Fresh strawberries — 6 pcs
• Fresh basil leaves — 8 leaves
• Gin — 60 ml
• Elderflower liqueur — 15 ml
• Fresh lemon juice — 15 ml
• Simple syrup — 15 ml
• Prosecco or sparkling wine — 120 ml
• Soda water — 60 ml
• Ice cubes — enough
• Lemon wheel for garnish — 2 slices

Sourcing alternatives
If local strawberries aren’t available, frozen, thawed strawberries can stand in for muddling in a pinch; just reduce the syrup slightly. For a non-alcoholic take, omit gin and elderflower and replace with a botanical tonic and a splash of elderflower cordial.

Preparation Overview

Simple steps, big payoff
This spritz is built to be friendly: a short prep of muddling, a quick shake to chill and marry flavors, and a fizzy finish. The few techniques involved are easy to master and make a significant difference in the final drink: gentle muddling to release juices without pulverizing seeds, a light shake to chill and dilute just enough, and delicate pouring to preserve effervescence.
Tools I recommend

• A good muddler (wood or plastic) with a textured end for controlled crushing.
• A Boston shaker or cobbler shaker for quick chilling.
• A fine cocktail strainer to keep pulp out of the glass if you prefer a cleaner presentation.
• A jigger for consistent pours—especially helpful when scaling up for guests.

Timing and rhythm
Approach the recipe with rhythm: assemble mise en place, muddle strawberry and basil gently, add spirits and acid, shake once to chill, and finish with bubbles. This flow keeps the basil’s volatile aromatics from being overworked and the strawberry flavor bright rather than cooked. When making multiple servings, muddle fruit and basil in a larger vessel or batch in a mixing glass and portion out to individual shakers to maintain consistency and speed.

Cooking / Assembly Process

Step-by-step assembly
Follow this sequence to build two balanced glasses of Strawberry Basil Spritz. Working methodically ensures consistent texture and flavor.

1. Muddle strawberries and basil. Place the strawberries and basil in a shaker and gently press with a muddler until the strawberries release their juice and the basil becomes aromatic; avoid pulverizing the leaves into threads.
2. Add spirits, citrus, and sweetener. Pour in the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup, add ice, then shake briefly to chill and integrate.
3. Strain over ice. Use a strainer to divide the shaken mixture into two ice-filled glasses, catching most of the pulp while leaving some pleasant bits behind.
4. Top with bubbles and soda. Finish each glass with Prosecco and a splash of soda water to add lift; pour gently to preserve effervescence.
5. Garnish and serve. Float a fresh basil leaf and a lemon wheel on each glass and serve immediately to enjoy the brightest aromatics.

Technique tips
Muddle with a light, rolling pressure—picture coaxing flavors rather than crushing them. When shaking, a short, purposeful shake (about 8–10 seconds) chills without over-diluting. Straining twice—once through a Hawthorne and again through a fine mesh—gives a cleaner pour if you prefer fewer solids. Finally, add the sparkling wine last and pour gently against the side of the glass to keep a lively carbonation without losing aromatic lift.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation that enhances the experience
Serve the spritz in tall Collins or stemmed wine glasses to showcase the bubbles and the suspended bits of fruit and basil. A single lemon wheel perched on the rim and a small basil leaf tucked on the surface makes for a casual yet deliberate look. If you want a slightly more elevated presentation, use a larger basil sprig as an aromatic bouquet; when guests bring the glass to their nose, the basil will perfume each sip.
Pairing ideas

• Light salads with goat cheese and citrus—complementary acids and herbs.
• Grilled seafood—especially shellfish and white fish with lemon-forward sauces.
• Bruschetta or fresh crostini topped with ricotta and seasonal fruit—echoing the strawberry notes.

For a gathering, set up a tiny spritz station with pre-muddled fruit and basil in a pitcher, chilled sparkling wine, and soda water so guests can finish their own drinks. This keeps fizz fresh and allows people to tailor effervescence. If serving as a non-alcoholic option at the same table, offer sparkling water with a berry-basil shrub or elderflower cordial so everyone can enjoy a similarly bright experience.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Short-term storage and batching
Because the spritz relies heavily on fresh fruit and bubbles, it’s best enjoyed immediately, but there are practical make-ahead strategies for small gatherings. You can prepare the muddled strawberry-and-basil mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container for a few hours—this preserves flavor while saving a bit of hands-on time when guests arrive. When you’re ready to serve, strain the mixture into a pitcher and add chilled spirits, then top with sparkling wine and soda just before pouring.
Batching for a crowd
When batching, maintain the drink’s lively profile by keeping the bubbly component separate until the moment of service. Pre-mix the fruit-herb-spirit base in a large bottle or pitcher and keep chilled. Have bottles of prosecco and soda ready to top each glass or pitcher right before serving to preserve the effervescence.
Freezing and leftovers
Leftover mixed spritz without bubbles will lose its charm if refrigerated for more than a day; the fruit will continue to break down and the basil will darken. If you’d like to preserve the strawberry flavor longer, freeze mashed strawberries in ice cube trays and use them later for single-serve batches—the frozen cubes chill without diluting immediately and add a burst of berry as they melt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions answered

• Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
  Yes. Replace the gin and elderflower liqueur with a botanical tonic and a splash of elderflower cordial or a non-alcoholic floral syrup; keep the citrus and bubbles for brightness.
• What if I don’t have elderflower liqueur?
  A small amount of orange liqueur or a touch more simple syrup with a hint of floral honey can be used as an alternative, but elderflower adds a delicate floral lift that’s distinctive.
• How ripe should the strawberries be?
  Seek fragrant, red berries that smell sweet—these give the best aromatics and juice without needing much added sweetener.
• Can I use other herbs?
  Yes. Tarragon or mint will change the profile in interesting ways; mint will make the cocktail brighter, while tarragon adds a subtle anise note.

Final note
If you have a question not covered here—about technique, substitutions, or scaling—leave a comment and I’ll share practical tips from behind the bar and from kitchen-tested trials. I love helping readers tweak recipes so they work beautifully at home.