It's currently 20 degrees in DC so it might seem odd that I'm making this fun, summery cocktail but hear me out. I recently got an Aerogarden so that I can grow fresh herbs inside all year long, and my basil has been growing out of control! So I've just been making basil everything lately and thus this strawberry basil mojito was born. It's light, refreshing, and perfect for summer (or anytime of year in my opinion).
Fresh strawberries and basil is one of my favorite flavor combos! The sweetness of the strawberries and slight peppery flavor of basil pairs beautifully with rum for these fun mojitos!
You might also love this strawberry basil galette!
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What is a Mojito?
A mojito is a traditional Cuban cocktail that typically contains white rum, sugar, lime juice, mint, and soda water. The mint and sugar are muddled together for a light, herbaceous cocktail that's perfect for sipping on a hot summer day!
So this strawberry basil mojito is a fun twist on the classic! Instead of mint, we're muddling fresh basil and strawberries, and then using strawberry simple syrup instead of sugar.
Ingredient Notes
Strawberries - The strawberries are the star of the show but this mojito would also be delicious with blueberries!
Sweet Basil - Sweet basil (also known as Genovese basil) is the most common type of basil you're likely to find! I've been growing mine at home using my Aerogarden and I highly recommend it! However, you could also substitute the basil with fresh mint or thyme.
Simple Syrup - You can add as little or as much simple syrup as you like! I like my mojitos to be pretty sweet, but you can reduce the amount if you want more of the rum to come through. See my notes below for making your own strawberry simple syrup!
White Rum - My favorite rum for cocktails is Bayou Silver Rum. It's light and super flavorful! But Bacardi Superior White Rum is also a great choice.
Club Soda - Mojitos are typically made with soda water, but I think this cocktail also tastes great with tonic water or ginger beer, if that's what you happen to have on hand.
Crushed Ice - If your fridge doesn't make crushed ice or you don't have a fancy pebble ice maker, did you know you can buy bags of ice at fast food restaurants like Sonic! For just $2.50 you can get a huge bag of perfect pebble ice!
The complete list of ingredients and amounts is located in the recipe card below.
How to Make Simple Syrup
I always make my own simple syrup for cocktails because it's so easy and customizable! You can also add in different herbs or fruit for a delightfully flavored simple syrup. For this strawberry basil mojito I make strawberry simple syrup!
- ½ cup fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Add the strawberries, water, and sugar to a medium sized saucepan over low heat.
- Cook gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the strawberries have infused the syrup with their color and flavor.
- Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
- Store in the fridge for up to a month!
How to Make a Mojito
Place basil leaves and strawberries into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to gently crush the basil and strawberries to release the basil oils and juice from the strawberries.
Fill the glass halfway with crushed ice. Then pour the rum and strawberry simple syrup juice over the ice.
Top off with club soda.
Stir, taste, and add more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with fresh basil and sliced strawberries.
Cocktail Serving Tips
For this simple strawberry basil mojito, you just need a muddler! If you prefer a more clear, clean cocktail, you can make the mojitos in a cocktail shaker and strain before serving.
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Recipe Card
Strawberry Basil Mojito
Special Equipment
Ingredients
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- ½ cup strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Mojitos
- 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
- 4 sweet basil leaves
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1 ounce strawberry simple syrup
- 2-4 ounces club soda, to taste
Instructions
Strawberry Simple Syrup
- Add the strawberries, water, and sugar to a medium sized saucepan over low heat.
- Cook gently over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the strawberries have infused the syrup with their color and flavor.
- Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
- Store the syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.
Mojitos
- Place basil leaves and strawberries into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to gently crush the basil and strawberries to release the basil oils and juice.
- Fill the glass halfway with ice. Pour the rum and simple syrup over the ice and then fill the glass with club soda.
- Stir, taste, and add more simple syrup if desired. Garnish with basil and strawberries.
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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Mel says
Amazing amazing amazing! So I dont drink alochol so I didnt add white rum to mine instead used a little bit of sparkling lemonade (-club soda) it was perfect!! Family went wild for it! Colour is exceptionally nice too ha. Thank you!!