If you are looking for a cocktail that brightens your day with fresh, vibrant flavors and a little sparkle, the Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful drink brings together the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries, the aromatic zing of fresh basil, and the effervescent charm of sparkling Prosecco, all rounded out by the subtle floral notes of elderflower liqueur. It’s a perfect blend of refreshing, fruity, and herbal elements that make every sip a celebration. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day or impressing friends at your next gathering, this cocktail is simple to make and unforgettable to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, each playing an essential role in delivering that balance of sweet, tart, and herbal goodness. The freshness and quality of these ingredients will truly shine through, making the drink both beautiful and delicious.
- 4 strawberries, greens removed: Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 6 basil leaves: Fresh basil adds a refreshing, slightly peppery note that complements the strawberries perfectly.
- 2 ounces vodka: A clean, smooth vodka forms the cocktail’s neutral yet warming backbone.
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur: This introduces a delicate floral sweetness that elevates the whole drink.
- ¾ ounce simple syrup: Balances the tartness and enhances the fruity flavors without overpowering.
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds brightness and a refreshing citrus punch.
- 1 ½ ounces Prosecco (or other sparkling wine): The sparkling wine gives the cocktail its lively sparkle and light finish.
- Ice: Essential for shaking and chilling the cocktail perfectly.
How to Make Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe
Step 1: Muddle the Strawberries and Basil
Start by placing the strawberries in a cocktail shaker and gently muddling them to release their sweet juice and vibrant flavors. Add the basil leaves and muddle just enough to release their aroma without tearing them completely—this keeps their bright, fresh flavor alive.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Shake
To the muddled fruit and basil, pour in the vodka, elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup. Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker. Seal it up and give it a good shake for at least 30 seconds. This chills the mix, blends the flavors, and dilutes slightly for the perfect balance.
Step 3: Strain and Top with Sparkling Wine
Strain the cocktail into an ice-filled lowball glass to keep it cool but not watered down. Top the drink off with Prosecco or another sparkling wine of your choice for that essential sparkle and crisp finish. Stir gently to combine without losing the bubbles.
How to Serve Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where your drink really starts to shine visually and aromatically. A fresh strawberry perched on the rim or floated on top adds a pop of color and an extra hint of fruitiness. Alternatively, a few small basil leaves tucked in bring that herbal freshness alive before the first sip.
Side Dishes
This cocktail pairs wonderfully with light, fresh foods. Think bruschetta topped with ripe tomatoes and basil, or goat cheese and herb crostini. The herbal and fruity notes in the drink enhance summer salads or seafood dishes like shrimp cocktail or ceviche.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe in a clear, wide glass to showcase its inviting pink hue and bubbles. For a fun twist, freeze some chopped strawberries and basil leaves in ice cubes and use them in place of regular ice. It keeps the drink cold and gets more flavorful as the ice melts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover batch after mixing, it’s best to store the cocktail base (without the Prosecco) in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the sparkling wine and fresh ice right before serving to preserve the bubbles and freshness.
Freezing
This cocktail isn’t ideal for freezing because the sparkling wine will lose its fizz, and muddled strawberries might become bitter. It’s best enjoyed fresh for that lively sparkle and bright flavor profile.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, refreshing cocktail, reheating is not recommended. The flavors and textures are at their best when served chilled and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail without vodka?
Absolutely! You can omit vodka to create a refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail version. Just increase the Prosecco or use sparkling water to keep it bubbly and light.
What can I substitute for elderflower liqueur?
If you don’t have elderflower liqueur, you can replace it with a splash of orange liqueur, like Triple Sec, or even a little rose water for a different but delightful floral note.
How do I muddle strawberries and basil correctly?
Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently press and twist the strawberries and basil. The goal is to release juices and oils without pulverizing them into a puree, keeping the flavors fresh and balanced.
Can this cocktail be made in a batch for a party?
Yes! Prepare the base (strawberries, basil, vodka, elderflower liqueur, simple syrup, and lemon juice) ahead in a large pitcher. Refrigerate and add Prosecco and ice just before serving to keep the cocktail bubbly and fresh.
What’s the best type of Prosecco to use?
Choose a dry or extra dry Prosecco for the best balance with this cocktail’s sweetness. Look for a quality brand with fine bubbles to get that perfect sparkle and crisp finish.
Final Thoughts
This Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe is a brilliant way to brighten up any occasion with its fresh, fruity, and aromatic charm. It’s easy to make but feels special enough to impress anyone. So grab your shaker, pick some fresh strawberries and basil, and treat yourself to a cocktail that sparkles in both flavor and presentation. You’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again to celebrate the simple joys of a perfectly crafted drink.
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Vodka Strawberry Basil Sparkler Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: Western
Description
A refreshing and elegant Vodka Strawberry Cocktail that combines muddled fresh strawberries and basil with vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup, topped with sparkling Prosecco for a bubbly finish. Perfectly balanced and fruity, this cocktail makes a delightful drink for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruit and Herbs
- 4 strawberries, greens removed
- 6 basil leaves
Liquids
- 2 ounces vodka
- ½ ounce elderflower liqueur
- ¾ ounce simple syrup
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 ½ ounces Prosecco or other sparkling wine
Instructions
- Muddle Strawberries: Place the strawberries into a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their juices and flavor.
- Add Basil: Add the basil leaves to the shaker and gently muddle again to mix with the strawberries without tearing the leaves too much.
- Add Liquids and Ice: Pour in the vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Then add ice to fill the shaker.
- Shake Cocktail: Cover the shaker and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds to chill and blend all ingredients well.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the cocktail mixture into a lowball glass filled with ice.
- Top with Prosecco: Pour 1 ½ ounces of Prosecco over the cocktail in the glass and gently stir to combine.
- Garnish: Garnish with a fresh strawberry and/or basil leaves as desired for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries and fresh basil leaves.
- Adjust simple syrup quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- If elderflower liqueur is unavailable, a similar floral liqueur can be substituted.
- Use chilled Prosecco to keep the cocktail cold and bubbly.
- Serve immediately to preserve the fizz of the sparkling wine.
