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

Strawberry Basil Black Pepper Smash

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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.

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COCKTAIL RECIPE

Makes 1 cocktail

2 oz gin
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
2 strawberries
3-4 basil leaves
1-2 grinds freshly cracked black pepper
Basil bouquet or fresh strawberry, for garnish

Muddle the strawberries, basil, black pepper, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker until the strawberries are juicy and the basil is fragrant. Add the gin, simple syrup, and ice and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until well chilled. Strain over crushed ice in a rocks glass, or double strain for a smoother finish, and garnish with a basil bouquet or a fresh strawberry.

NOTES FROM THE BAR

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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.

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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.

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