Strawberry Basil & Black Pepper Smash
A fresh and vibrant gin smash with muddled strawberries, basil, bright lemon, and a subtle crack of black pepper for unexpected depth.
This cocktail is part of our Date Nite collection, made to be sipped while you cook together.
Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.
Ingredients
• 2 ounces gin
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• 2 fresh strawberries
• 3–4 fresh basil leaves
• 1–2 grinds freshly cracked black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
Add strawberries, basil, black pepper, and lemon juice to the base of a cocktail shaker.
Muddle until the strawberries are juicy and the basil is fragrant.
Add the gin, simple syrup, and ice.
Shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a basil bouquet or fresh strawberry.
Notes from the Bar
BLACK PEPPER BALANCE
Freshly cracked black pepper is what gives this cocktail its subtle depth. One or two grinds adds gentle warmth without making the drink spicy.
BASIL EXPRESSION
Muddle the basil just enough to release its oils. Overworking the leaves can create bitterness.
STRAWBERRY RIPENESS
If your strawberries are especially sweet, reduce the simple syrup slightly. Taste and adjust for balance before serving.
DOUBLE STRAIN
For a smoother finish, double strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove strawberry seeds and basil bits.
GLASSWARE
Serve over fresh ice in a rocks glass. A large clear cube elevates the presentation beautifully.
Heads up: We may earn a small commission on products we’ve linked here. We only recommend the real-deal favorites from our kitchen.
A ritual we return to
Our cocktails are part of something bigger for us. They’re the beginning of Date Nite, a connection-centered experience we created to help you slow down, share a meal, and enjoy time with the one you love.
Each Date Nite is thoughtfully planned for you, so you are not stuck deciding what to cook or how to pull the night together. We pair one cocktail with a complete menu, a simple flow from prep to plate, and small details that make the evening feel easy and connected from start to finish.
It is not about perfection. It is about presence, and creating space to reconnect, whether that is with your partner or simply with yourself, over a really good meal.
We created this for you — and the one you love.
Kevin & Kate
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