This fresh Strawberry Cocktail is like sipping summer in a glass! Fresh, juicy strawberries and fragrant basil leaves add major flavor while a splash of sparkling wine keeps every sip light and refreshing.
Place strawberries in a cocktail shaker and muddle. Add basil and gently muddle again. Add vodka, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice to shaker. Cover and shake for at least 30 seconds.
Strain cocktail into an ice-filled low ball glass and top with Prosecco. Gently stir to combine and garnish with a fresh strawberry and/or basil leaves, if desired.
Notes
Expert Tips:
Use the toothed end of a muddler to muddle the strawberries. Use the rounded end of the muddler to muddle the basil. Fruits can take more aggressive muddling while herbs need a lighter touch. Too much pressure causes the leaves to tear and and the flavor to become bitter. If you don't own a muddler, use the end of a wooden spoon instead.
Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve and into your cocktail glass if you prefer a smooth cocktail without any pulpy bits.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice in this drink rather than a store-bought bottle. They usually contain additives to preserve their shelf life and this negatively impacts the taste of the juice. If you have leftover fresh juice, freeze it in ice cube trays to have on hand for your next cocktail.
The small, individual bottles of Prosecco or sparkling wine are perfect for the minor amounts used in cocktails (instead of buying a big bottle you may not finish before it goes flat).
If you don't have sparkling wine on hand, feel free to swap in sparkling water or club soda.