Strawberry Basil Mojito Recipe: Refreshing, Easy, and Naturally Sweet

Strawberry basil mojito in glass with fresh fruit and herbs

🍓 Strawberry Basil Mojito: A Fresh New Take on an Easy-to-Love Classic

1. Introduction

I whipped up a strawberry basil mojito when I realized I was throwing a brunch that day and forgot to buy mint. I knew I didn’t have enough mint, but I had loads of basil and strawberries that were almost ripe. Mixing the strawberries, basil, lime and seltzer water truly amazed me. My friends clamored to know what I’d mixed. It’s not only stunning, but also light, tangy and perfectly sweet at the same time. It quickly became an annual tradition during when the sun is warm.

2. Key Features or Highlights

It’s much more than a regular mocktail or cocktail. It’s:

  • Easy to make: Only a handful of things and you can mix them in one cup.
  • Customizable: Give it a kick with rum or enjoy it just as delicious without.
  • Gorgeous: With the vibrant colors of strawberries and basil, our drink looks gorgeous in a glass.
  • Refreshing: Ideal to keep you refreshed and add some fruity flavor to your days.
  • Healthier: Made with fresh fruits and herbs and no added sweeteners, it makes for a cleaner and healthier option.

It comes together quickly and easily but still looks impressive.

3. Ingredient List & Reasons

The ingredients you’ll need are:

  • 4–5 fresh strawberries, sliced
  • Tear 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1–2 teaspoons sugar or honey
  • Fill up the glass with ½ cup (4 fl oz) sparkling water or club soda.
  • Ice cubes
  • Optional: 1 oz white rum if you want an alcoholic mojito

Ingredient Notes:

  • Ripe strawberries contribute to both the flavor and the color scheme of this drink. Ripe ones are best.
  • Fresh basil gives the mojito a light herby note, different from mint which can be quite strong.
  • Squeezing fresh lime juice helps to both liven up the flavor and keep the drink from becoming overly sweet.
  • You can add as much sugar or honey as your preference requires. Honey gives the drink complexity, while sugar merely sweetens it.
  • Sparkling water is what makes the mojito so refreshing and sparkly.

If you’d like to make a mint-flavored mojito, use fresh mint leaves instead. Want to try a different non-alcoholic mojito option? Check out the Virgin Mojito Recipe.

4. Equipment & Tools

A couple of essential tools make mixing up a non-alcoholic strawberry mojito a breeze.

  • A muddler or wooden spoon will help you break up the strawberries and basil.
  • Squeeze all the juice out of the lime using a juicer.
  • Serve the mojitos in tall glasses to maximize the drink’s vibrant appearance.
  • A spoon helps combine all the ingredients without separating them.
  • Use a sharp knife and a cutting board to cut the citrus.

Optional but helpful: You can also shake everything together in a cocktail shaker for a slushier, chillier drink.

5. Step-by-Step Instructions

Muddled strawberries and basil in glass

Step 1: Muddle the fruit and herbs

Put some sliced strawberries, torn basil and sugar in the serving glass. Give them a stir with a muddler or spoon instead of crushing them. This ensures that the fruit and herbs give off more flavor.

Step 2: Add lime juice

Pour in the lime juice and gently mix it with the fruit. It unites the flavors of fruit, citrus and fresh herbs.

Step 3: Add ice

Add ice to your glass so the drink remains nice and frosty.

Step 4: Pour in the fizz

Finish it off by gently pouring in some sparkling water. Pour the soda gently so the fizz stays in the drink.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Garnish with a sliced strawberry and a small basil leaf. Enjoy the drink right away with a straw.

Optional: Give it a bit of a kick by pouring in white rum after muddling.

6. Troubleshooting & Tips

  • Too sour? If the lime is really sour, add a little extra sweetener.
  • Too sweet? Reduce the sweetener or add a splash more citrus or bubbly water.
  • No muddler? A sturdy spoon can substitute the muddler.
  • Flat taste? Keep in mind to choose juicy strawberries and always use freshly squeezed lime.
  • Bitter basil? Pick fresh and tender basil leaves and lightly crush or rub them.

Pro tip: Pre-chilling your ingredients will ensure the drink stays fizzy and taste its best for longer.

7. Serving Suggestions

Strawberry basil mojito served with brunch

It suits almost every celebration, big or small.

  • Brunch: Pour the drink into mason jars and pair it with fresh fruit and avocado toast.
  • BBQs or cookouts: Complement flavors perfectly with smoky grilled meats.
  • Self-care nights: Enjoy some quiet me-time with this as your beverage of choice.

Looking for more refreshing fruity mocktails to round out your fun summer get-togethers? For another summer treat, visit Virgin Sangria Recipes & Tips to discover another delicious can’t-miss recipe.

8. Storage & Leftover Ideas

To save time, get ahead with the base. However, it tastes best when made just before serving.

  • Make-ahead tip: Mix together the strawberries, basil and sugar ahead of time and store them in your fridge. Keep the muddled fruit, herbs and sugar refrigerated until ready to use. For the final touch, squeeze in some lime, pour in some club soda and top with a pile of ice.
  • Leftover base? Mix with frozen berries to make instant smoothies or pour it straight into mineral water.

Don’t mix soda and the rest of the drink together ahead of time. The fizz will quickly go flat as the ingredient sits.

9. Conclusion & Engagement

This strawberry basil mojito recipe is sure to become a go-to favourite in your repertoire! It’s fresh, delicious and you can mix it up to suit your taste. And between the time it takes and the way it blissfully surprises you, it’s the kind of drink that always seems worth some extra effort.

Have you made this drink? You could add a new herb or top it up with a flavored sparkling water for an extra couple of flair points. I’d love to know how you’ve created this drink. Be sure to share your creations using the hashtag #StrawberryBasilMojito!

10. FAQs

Why does my mojito taste bad?

Most of the time, it’s because something is either too strong or too weak. Maybe your limes were too sour, or your strawberries weren’t ripe enough. Sometimes, over-muddling the basil can make it bitter. So, go easy and taste as you go!

What alcohol goes in a strawberry mojito?

The classic choice is white rum. It blends well without overpowering the fruit and herbs. If you want to try something different, a splash of vodka or even gin can work. But honestly, this drink shines just as well without any alcohol at all.

Do strawberry and basil go together?

Yes, absolutely! Their flavor combo is super popular for a reason. Sweet strawberries balance the fresh, slightly peppery basil, creating a mix that feels both light and bold.

What do mojitos taste like?

Mojitos—especially the strawberry basil mojito version—are cool, tangy, and sweet with a hint of herbs. The fizz adds a refreshing sparkle, while the lime keeps it zesty. It’s like summer in a glass, no matter the season.

11. Additional Resources

Also, explore this helpful read on the Health Benefits of Basil to learn more about why this herb is such a smart addition to your drinks.

Print
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Strawberry Basil Mojito with sliced strawberries and fresh basil leaves served over ice in a clear glass.

🍓 Strawberry Basil Mojito


  • Author: ANA ARMAS
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 mojito (mocktail or cocktail)

Description

This Strawberry Basil Mojito is a vibrant and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. Bursting with fresh strawberries, aromatic basil, and a splash of citrus, it’s a naturally sweetened mocktail that’s just as delicious without the alcohol—but can be spiked if you like. Perfect for brunches, BBQs, or solo sipping, it’s as pretty as it is flavorful!


Ingredients

  • 45 fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 56 fresh basil leaves, torn

  • Juice of 1 lime

  • 12 teaspoons sugar or honey (to taste)

  • ½ cup sparkling water or club soda

  • Ice cubes

  • Optional: 1 oz white rum (for alcoholic version)


Instructions

  1. Muddle the Base: In a tall glass, gently muddle the strawberries, basil, and sweetener with a muddler or spoon to release flavors.

  2. Add Lime Juice: Pour in the freshly squeezed lime juice and give it a light stir.

  3. Add Ice: Fill the glass with ice to keep your drink cold and refreshing.

  4. Top with Sparkling Water: Slowly pour in sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to combine.

  5. Garnish & Serve: Add a sliced strawberry and a basil leaf for garnish. Serve immediately with a straw.

Notes

  • Sweetness tip: Adjust honey or sugar to match your fruit’s ripeness.

  • Make-ahead base: Muddle the fruit and herbs ahead and refrigerate.

  • Frozen strawberries: Thaw before using, or blend for a slushie-style mojito.

  • For a vegan version, stick with sugar or maple syrup.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Drinks / Mocktails / Cocktails
  • Cuisine: Fusion / Summer Beverage

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: ~45 kcal
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~11 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g

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