I’ll be honest, I don’t usually like mojitos. The mint and lime combination just isn’t my favorite, so I usually opt for another option when it comes to cocktails. This strawberry basil mojito really changes my opinion on these drinks in general, though. It’s refreshing, delicious, and perfect for summer!
A strawberry basil mojito is a refreshing twist on the classic mojito cocktail. Instead of mint and lime juice, though, it uses herby basil and juicy strawberries for a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Of course, like most cocktails, you can adjust it any way you like. Mixing basil and mint is a great nod to the classic combo as well!
These mojitos are the perfect summer cocktail, because they’re light and refreshing, and let the flavors of the fresh summer produce really shine through.
Plus, they pair well with a variety of cuisines, such as Indian, Caribbean, Cuban, Latin American, and more! That means you can enjoy them with a variety of different offerings to suit any palette.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Basil Mojito
4 sweet basil leaves
2 ounces white rum
2 ounces lemon flavored sparkling water
2 Tbsp frozen sliced strawberries with sugar (thawed)
Ice cubes
Fresh strawberries, or lemon or lime slices for garnish
For a Carafe (3-4 Servings)
12 sweet basil leaves
½ cup white rum
2 cups lemon flavored sparkling water (or less for a stronger drink)
½ cup frozen sliced strawberries with sugar
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can use half basil and half fresh mint for a more traditional mojito flavor
The sparkling water can be swapped for club soda or soda water, but you’ll want to add 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice to compensate for the flavor. You can also swap in lime if you prefer. You can also use Sprite and non sweetened strawberries!
Instead of the sliced strawberries you can use strawberry simple syrup or make your own with two parts water, one part sugar, and fresh strawberries. Boil, then rest 5 minutes, mash, and strain. I use the frozen option because it saves a lot of time (and you can still strain if desired)
If you can find strawberry infused rum feel free to use that in place of the white rum for extra berry flavor
Strawberry Basil Mojitos With a Twist
Fruits. Add other fruits to the mix, such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or watermelon
Citrus. Using slices of citrus adds more zest to the drink. Lemon and lime are the two most common choices, but you could twist it up with a grapefruit as well
Variety. Change things up by using different types of basil to add different flavor profiles. Sweet basil is most common, but you could try lemon basil or lime basil, which complement the citrus tones of a mojito perfectly! For a more unique twist, try cinnamon basil or purple basil for a vibrant color
Step-By-Step Preparation Guide
Place the basil leaves into a glass or bowl and muddle them. If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar kitchen utensil to bruise and twist the leaves, or massage them between your hands
Add the strawberry sugar mixture to the glass or pitcher, then top with the rum and sparkling water, giving it a stir to mix everything
Fill the glass with enough ice to bring the liquid up to the top
Garnish with a fresh strawberry, basil sprig, lime wedge, or lemon slice, if desired
What to Serve With Strawberry Basil Mojitos
Fruit salsas
Conch fritters
Grilled pineapple
Fried plantains
Tostones
Ceviche
Grilled fish
Cuban sandwiches
Chicken skewers
Pulled pork
Jerk chicken
Grilled steak
Paella
Arepas
Empanadas
Taquitos
Quesadillas
Tacos
Curry
Rice
Black beans
Sticky rice
There are so many great things to serve with mojitos, from appetizers and snacks to main courses, sides, and even dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries For Strawberry Basil Mojito?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen strawberries for a strawberry basil mojito. In fact, it’s an easy way to bypass making homemade simple syrup.
Just make sure to thaw it slightly before use so you can get it out of the packaging.
How Do I Make a Non-Alcoholic Version of Strawberry Basil Mojito?
You make a non-alcoholic version of strawberry basil mojito simply by omitting the rum. The drink is delicious without it, and you can add a little extra sparkling water or club soda to compensate.
Feel free to swap in apple juice as well in place of the rum for additional flavor.
Can I Use Different Types of Rum For This Cocktail?
Yes, you can use different types of rum for this cocktail. White, light, and Jamaican rum are all great choices. If you can find strawberry rum, that’s the perfect option to boost the strawberry flavor.
Avoid dark and spiced rums, though, as that will alter the flavor of the cocktail.
What Are Some Creative Garnishing Ideas For the Mojito?
Creative garnishing ideas include a sprig of mint or basil, or a slice of lime, lemon, or a strawberry.
For a more unique twist, try rimming the glass with lime or lemon juice and sugar or tajin for a spicy twist.
Can I Prepare a Large Batch of Strawberry Basil Mojito For a Party?
Yes, you can prepare a large batch of strawberry basil mojito for a party. The recipe easily scales up for larger quantities. Simply make and refrigerate in a pitcher or carafe for up to 24 hours, then pour over ice to serve.
You can always adjust the alcohol quantity up or down as well to modify the strength of the cocktail if desired.
What Other Herb Combinations Work Well With the Classic Mojito?
Besides mint and basil, other herb combinations that work well with the classic mojito include rosemary, thyme, or tarragon.
Change up the citrus combinations as well to make your own perfect version of the mojito.
Recipe Pro Tips
You can also mix everything but the sparkling water in a shaker, then pour over ice and top with the sparkling water
Highball glasses or rocks glasses are a great choice for serving, because they allow plenty of room for ice, but you can use anything similar
Storage Tips
This is a perfect make-ahead cocktail for summer. Just combine the ingredients and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Pour over ice to serve!
The recipe easily scales up if you’d like to make a pitcher or carafe for parties!
More Mojito Variations to Try
Strawberry Coconut Mojito
Malibu Watermelon Mojito
Watermelon Basil Mojito
Blackberry Basil Mojito
Final Thoughts
This refreshing strawberry mojito with basil is just perfect for summer! It’s a unique mojito variation that’s sweet, tart, bubbly, and easy to make.
You can serve it by the glass, or make a pitcher for parties. They pair with a variety of different appetizers and entrees, so you can please a crowd no matter the occasion!
Of course, this mojito with basil and strawberries is just one great flavor combination, but there are many others as well! Make sure to try out a bunch of different varieties to find your favorites!
Whether you use fresh berries or frozen, it’s a perfect refreshing cocktail that screams summer and is sure to please!
Simple Strawberry Basil Mojito
This strawberry basil mojito is a refreshing summer twist on a classic cocktail! Just 4 ingredients makes this recipe incredibly simple to throw together.
2Cupslemon flavored sparkling water(or less for a stronger drink)
½Cupfrozen sliced strawberries with sugar
Ice cubes
Instructions
Place the basil leaves into a glass or bowl and muddle them. If you don’t have a muddler, use the blunt end of a wooden spoon or a similar kitchen utensil to bruise and twist the leaves, or massage them between your hands
12 Leaves sweet basil
Add the strawberry sugar mixture to the glass or pitcher, then top with the rum and sparkling water, giving it a stir to mix everything
½ Cup white rum, 2 Cups lemon flavored sparkling water, ½ Cup frozen sliced strawberries with sugar
Fill the glass with enough ice to bring the liquid up to the top
Ice cubes
Garnish with a fresh strawberry, basil sprig, lime wedge, or lemon slice, if desired
Notes
You can use half basil and half fresh mint for a more traditional mojito flavor
The sparkling water can be swapped for club soda or soda water, but you’ll want to add 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice to compensate for the flavor. You can also swap in lime if you prefer. You can also use Sprite and non sweetened strawberries!
Instead of the sliced strawberries you can use strawberry simple syrup or make your own with two parts water, one part sugar, and fresh strawberries. Boil, then rest 5 minutes, mash, and strain. I use the frozen option because it saves a lot of time (and you can still strain if desired)
If you can find strawberry infused rum feel free to use that in place of the white rum for extra berry flavor
You can also mix everything but the sparkling water in a shaker, then pour over ice and top off with the sparkling water
Highball glasses or rocks glasses are a great choice for serving, because they allow plenty of room for ice, but you can use anything similar
This is a perfect make-ahead cocktail for summer. Just combine the ingredients and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Pour over ice to serve!
The recipe easily scales up if you’d like to make a pitcher or carafe for parties!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
