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.

Because every drink deserves a beautiful moment.

Strawberry basil gin smash served over crushed ice in a rocks glass, garnished with a fresh strawberry and basil leaves against a dark background.

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.

Make It a Date Nite

This cocktail is part of something bigger for us. It's a ritual we return to week after week.

Each week, we create a Date Nite designed around one drink, one thoughtful menu, and the feeling of slowing down together. The kind of night where the table is set with intention, the music hums softly in the background, and the evening unfolds without rushing.

For this Date Nite, we’ve paired a cocktail with a cozy, make-ahead-friendly menu, so you can enjoy the process without spending the whole night in the kitchen. We also include little touches we love like timing notes, a head start option, and a playlist to set the mood. Feel to pair the meal with any of our cocktails.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. And turning an ordinary night at home into something that feels quietly special.

Each Date Nite includes a curated menu, cocktail pairing and a playlist, as well as another thoughtful extras like make-ahead tips, leftover ideas or table talk prompts to carry the night.

Take a Peek at a Date Nite Menu →

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Kevin & Kate

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