This time of year I want everything strawberry, don't you?? Especially those bright pink cocktails that are beautiful to look at, so refreshing and go down easy! That is exactly what this Strawberry Basil Pink Martini embodies! It has that gorgeous deep pink hue, with a touch of sweetness, but not too sweet, and the added basil gives it an extra herbal layer that is so tasty!
Photos by Elizabeth Dworkin
What type of alcohol should I use in the Strawberry Basil Pink Martini?
You can probably guess what we prefer. Gin. Duh, but honestly, this martini is perfect with vodka, as well, if gin is just not your thing. But we didn't just use any gin in this. No way! We used Beefeater Pink Strawberry Gin which has a beautiful light pink hue and a little bit of strawberry flavor and sweetness that will make you rethink your vodka life choices. Believe us, it's good and it makes this drink even better! Also, we add some London dry gin to this one to make it a bit less sweet, but you can use 100% Pink Gin or whatever you want really. Find some of our other favorite gin drinks here or here.
Where do I get strawberry syrup?
An easy option is to purchase Torani Strawberry syrup. It also comes in sugar free if you are trying to watch your sugars.
Photos by Elizabeth Dworkin
But if you want to make this today and do not have the time or desire to go buy some, we have a few options for you: use dessert topping strawberries in heavy syrup like these, or make a homemade simple syrup from fresh berries. A simple syrup is quite, well, simple to make. Here's how....
Strawberry Simple syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 pint chopped fresh strawberries
Combine ingredients and cook for 30 minutes on medium low/simmer. Strain into a jar. Let cool, then keep covered in fridge for up to 1 month.
How to make a Strawberry Basil Pink Martini?
Making this drink is super easy. You take your ingredients - Pink Gin, Dry Gin, strawberry syrup, and basil - and put them all in a shaker, then shake it up! Next add the soda water and give it one more shake before straining it using a fine sieve into a martini or coup glass. Squeeze a few drops of lemon juice right on top, and garnish with basil and fresh strawberry. Easy peasy!
Photos by Elizabeth Dworkin
We hope you enjoy this drink! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think or tag us on Instagram @cooking_with_wine. And a special thank you to Elizabeth Dworkin for the photos of the Strawberry Basil Martini for this post. You can find her online portfolio here, or find her on Instragram @eatliftbe.
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Basil Pink Martini
Ingredients
- 2 oz Beefeater Pink Gin
- 1 oz London Dry Gin (any brand)
- 2 tbs Strawberry syrup
- 1 Large Basil Leaf
- 1 oz soda
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Basil leaf or fresh strawberry for garnish
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 pint chopped fresh strawberries
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except soda in a shaker with ice.
- Shake for 30 seconds.
- Add soda and shake gently once or twice to combine
- Strain into martini glass
- Squeeze a little lemon juice on top.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry or small basil leaf (or both)
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Combine ingredients and cook for 30 minutes on medium low/simmer. Strain into a jar. Let cool, then keep covered in fridge for up to 1 month.
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