Gin and strawberry are a good enough combination, so why don’t we try with fresh strawberries ? Enter the strawberry gin smash, a gin, mint, and fresh strawberry cocktail that will get the summer party going.
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What is Strawberry Gin Smash ?
A strawberry gin smash is essentially a mojito, but you use gin instead of white rum. It’s the muddled version, so this calls for fresh strawberries to me muddled with limes and mint and sugar. The overall taste will be closer to a more ‘natural’ cocktail, since there is no syrup in this.
Is it amazing ? It’s definitely a change from the usual way to add fruit in drinks. It might be great for some, it might be underwhelming for others. The only way to find out is to make one, so here’s how to do it.
Strawberry Gin Smash Cocktail Recipe
A smashing combination of strawberry and gin, akin to a Mojito.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin
- 2 tsp granulated sugar
- 5-7 mint leaves
- 2 lime wedges
- 2-3 large strawberries, cut
- club soda to top
Instructions
- In a shaker combine sugar, mint, lime, and strawberries. Muddle thoroughly.
- Add ice and gin, shake very well.
- Strain into ice-filled Collins or highball.
- Top with club soda.
Notes
Muddling will give you a lot of pulp, which will make straining difficult.
This follows the old Mojito recipe, without syrup. It won't be very sweet.
When is this drink best ?
Strawberry gin smash is a great summer cocktail, with fresh strawberries and quite minty. The carbonation in it makes the cocktail a fun, casual drink that you can easily enjoy at home, at a relaxed dinner with friends, at lunch, in your backyard, or just wherever you feel like having something light and refreshing.
My thoughts on Strawberry Gin Smash
I found the strawberry gin smash to be a bit underwhelming, but still good. The mint is strong, and that’s great, but the sugar and strawberry are background notes in this drink. The club soda can thin this out too much, so perhaps add just a little, taste for yourself, than add more if you think it needs more.
The gin goes pretty well with strawberry, but it won’t be as noticeable because of the mint. Overall a refreshing, long drink, definitely something to sip throughout the day.
If you like Strawberry Gin Smash, you might also like…
Raspberry Mojito – a Mojito with raspberries
Blueberry Mojito – a Mojito with blueberries
Strawberry Mojito – a Mojito with fresh strawberries
Strawberry Lime Rickey – a gin rickey with strawberry
Raspberry Lime Rickey – a gin rickey with raspberry
Notes, substitutes, and tips
This is a muddled drink, so there will be a lot of pulp. It won’t be exactly easy to strain but it’s manageable.
Also don’t expect this to be sweet or have a strong strawberry flavor. There’s just a small amount of sugar in it, and it’s not enough to make a very sweet cocktail. But, you can double the sugar if you want a sweeter one.
If you want a stronger tasting drink, consider adding less club soda. You can always add more later, but can’t take it back.
