This easy Strawberry Gin Smash is a fruity and vibrant cocktail that will quickly become a new favorite. Made with strawberries, simple syrup, gin, and lemon juice, this cocktail feels like a more grown-up and elevated version of strawberry lemonade.
What are Smash Cocktails?
They are refreshing, fruity drinks typically made with all sorts of seasonal fruits, a spirit (often whiskey or gin), sugar or simple syrup, citrus juice of some sort, and sometimes herbs. The fruit is “smashed” to release its flavors that complement the rest of the ingredients. You can think of them as a fruity cousin to the Julep.
Ingredients
Strawberries – You can use frozen, but you’ll generally get more juice and flavor out of fresh strawberries, not to mention they are much more aromatic.
Simple syrup – You can buy simple syrup, but it is much easier and economical just to make it yourself. You just need water and sugar – the full details for making your own are in the recipe card notes below.
Gin – I used Mermaid Zest Gin from the Isle of Wight, but the bottom line is to choose a gin that YOU like! That’s really all that matters.
Lemon juice – When making cocktails, using fresh lemon juice is a must in my opinion for the best flavor. When I’m just making one cocktail, I use a hand squeezer. If I’m making a batch, I use my electric citrus juicer.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the strawberries and simple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. Gently muddle together. Then, add the gin.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice and ice cubes. Shake until well chilled.
Step 3: Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with an extra strawberry on a cocktail pick if desired.
Tips and Variations
Add some bubbles and effervescence to your Strawberry Gin Smash by topping with a dry sparkling wine or champagne. You can also use soda water, like seltzer or club soda, for bubbles as well.
“Smash” a different fruit instead of strawberries. I used Blackberries and Peaches in my Bourbon Smashes, and both of these fruits would be great with gin as well.
Add some herbs to muddle with the strawberries. Basil and mint are great options for smash cocktails that can be muddled with the fruit.
How to Make a Big Batch and Make Ahead Tips
You can easily scale up this recipe to serve a crowd by multiplying the ingredients by the number of servings you need. I have additional measurements for batching in the recipe card notes below.
To make a batch of Strawberry Gin Smash cocktails, simply muddle your strawberries with the simple syrup in a large pitcher with a long wooden spoon. Then, mix the rest of the ingredients together and chill in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance.
Pour over ice when ready to serve. To help keep the batch cocktail cold, add some frozen strawberries to the pitcher to use as “ice” to prevent the dilution that regular ice would cause. Make sure to give the pitcher a good stir before serving as the smashed strawberries will likely settle to the bottom of the pitcher.
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry Gin Smash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 -3 strawberries (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ ounce simple syrup (see notes for how to make)
- 2 ounces gin
- ½ ounce lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the strawberries and simple syrup to the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Gently muddle the strawberries and syrup together with a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and ice cubes. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass filled with ice. Garnish with an additional strawberry on a cocktail pick if desired.
Notes
- Combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan and bring to a simmer.
- Whisk the sugar until fully dissolved.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
- 16-24 strawberries, sliced for easier muddling (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup simple syrup (see notes for how to make)
- 2 cups gin
- ½ cup lemon juice
- Keep the batch cocktail cold by adding some frozen strawberries to the pitcher to use as “ice” to prevent the dilution that regular ice would cause.
- Make sure to give the pitcher a good stir before serving as the fruit will likely settle to the bottom of the pitcher.
Nutrition
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