Give yourself the gift of bright and fruity refreshment with the sweet and minty Strawberry Smash Cocktail.
A year ago today, I had one of the best nights of my life here in Los Angeles. I’m a big James Bond fan. In fact, myself and my good friend have recently made history by forming Los Angeles’ first-ever 007 film and social club. Every other month, we screen a Bond film at The Culver Theater, and in between, we hold happy hours, trivia nights and generally chill gatherings for like-minded folks, allowing us all to get together, have a few drinks, and geek out over our favorite gentleman spy.
And last year, I went to see Bond Lady Gloria Hendry, Rosie Carver in Live and Let Die, perform an evening of jazz and Bond songs with an 18-piece orchestra at the Catalina Jazz Club. I’ve talked about it before, but today our cocktail recipe is the Strawberry Smash, and the night I’m remembering from last year was accompanied by a few Smash cocktails.
It was my first time imbibing the citrusy and perfectly balanced beverages, and I know that whenever I have one, it’ll take me right back to that evening. We even ended the night by meeting television icon Marla Gibbs, a friend of Gloria’s.
Two legends in one evening. Three if you count the Smash.
What Is The Best Vodka To Use In A Strawberry Smash Cocktail?
Like I always say, the best vodka is your favorite one. Sure, myself or anyone else can recommend some top-shelf and high-end stuff, and they’ll be great. But if you have something that you swear by, that’s what you should use. If you’re open to suggestion or are all about trying something different, use a wheat-distilled and plain vodka, as it will take on the other notes present in the recipe. For a sweeter and fruitier taste, a strawberry-infused spirit can be used.
Ingredients
- 6 strawberries hulled, reserve an additional whole strawberry for garnish
- 4 fresh mint leaves
- 1 1/2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Club soda to top
Instructions
- Place the hulled strawberries and mint leaves in a mixing glass. Use a muddler to gently crush them.
- Add the vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine.
- Fill a collins glass with ice. Double strain the mixture into the glass. Top off with club soda before stirring gently. Garnish with a strawberry on the rim, then enjoy.
Nutrition
WHAT GLASSWARE AND GARNISH ARE USED?
Fill a collins or a rocks glass with ice before pouring your Smash into it. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a few sprigs of mint.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T HAVE A MUDDLER?
The back of a bar spoon is a worthy substitute, but if you enjoy making any kind of cocktail at home, owning a muddler is a must.
Other Smash Cocktails Worth Trying
The joys of a Smash are simple and perfect. I personally have not tasted a drink as fresh as any of the Smashes I’ve been served. And I love making them at home, too. In fact, it seems as though there’s a Smash for every mood. Check out some of these recipes for a few tart, sweet and strong treats you can sip on this weekend.
- Bourbon Smash – Make your next Smash a smoky one by building it with bourbon.
- Elderflower Smash – Floral and fresh, St-Germain adds something special to this drink.
- Whiskey Smash – Can’t pick which Smash to have? Start with one of these.
- Blackberry Bourbon Smash – Muddle some fresh blackberries in this cocktail to make a tart and smoky concoction.
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