A Refreshing Strawberry Gin Smash
The strawberry gin smash is a contemporary cocktail perfect for summer gatherings. Deliciously sweet, with a hint of tart citrus, and the subtle taste of gin; it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser. First made popular in the early 2000s, the strawberry gin smash has become increasingly popular over the years as an alternative to more traditional cocktails.
The drink originated from bartender Paul Harrington in 2003 at The Beagle Restaurant & Bar in New York City. It was created as an adaptation to another classic: The Whiskey Smash—a combination of muddled mint leaves, lemon juice, simple syrup and whiskey or brandy. He replaced whiskey with gin and added fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries.
Today this fruity twist on a classic can be found on many craft cocktail menus across America. Whether you’re hosting friends for brunch or making drinks before dinner on your patio – you can easily make this refreshing beverage at home!
Strawberry Gin Smash
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- - 2 ounces 60 ml gin
- - 1.5 ounces 45 ml simple syrup
- - Juice of half a lemon or lime 30 ml
- - 5 fresh strawberry slices plus more for garnish
- - Ice cubes as needed
Instructions
- Instructions:
- In a shaker filled with ice, add the gin, simple syrup and lemon juice. Shake vigorously to combine all ingredients.
- Add the strawberry slices and muddle until they have broken down into small pieces.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice cubes and stir well to combine all flavors.
- Garnish with additional fresh strawberry slices before serving your Strawberry Gin Smash!
Glassware
The typical glassware used for a strawberry gin smash is a lowball or tumbler glass. The tall, narrow walls of the glass enhance the aroma and flavor of the cocktail, as well as allowing for aesthetic presentation. A long spoon may also be used to mix and serve the drink, depending on personal preference.Flavors
The strawberry gin smash is a refreshing and contemporary cocktail for any summer gathering. It has a complex flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The sweet strawberries blend with the tart citrus, providing a delightful balance of flavors that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. The subtle, aromatic taste of gin adds an additional layer of complexity to this delicious drink.
The aroma from the fresh strawberries is enhanced by adding orange juice and lime juice which gives it just enough acidity to cut through its sweetness. A splash of soda water provides lightness and carbonation while adding depth of flavor as well. To finish off the cocktail, you can add garnishes such as mint leaves or lemon slices for extra aromatics.
3 tips for Making Your Strawberry gin smash
3 Tips related to the ingredients found in this drink recipe:- Always use fresh strawberries for best flavor and avoid using frozen ones as they may not provide enough sweetness or flavor.
- When muddling the strawberry slices, be sure to do so gently to ensure that you don’t release too much of their juice into the drink.
- Make sure to measure out all of your ingredients accurately for consistent results each time you make a Strawberry Gin Smas.