Your perfect summer martini is here, and it couldn’t be more delicious! Sweet strawberries, fragrant basil and bright limoncello come together to make this season’s best martini. Grab a cozy seat on the patio because you’ll want to sip on this strawberry-basil limoncello martini all summer long.
If you’ve made my strawberry-basil Tom Collins, you already know how delicious it is. We make that summery gin cocktail with a fresh strawberry-basil simple syrup that I could eat by the spoonful. But it’s really best not to do that, so in the spirit of not straight-up ingesting spoonfuls of simple syrup, it only seemed right to bring you another cocktail option.
Along with our strawberry-basil simple syrup, we get a lovely citrus kick from the limoncello. While the simple syrup and limoncello are both sweet ingredients, don’t worry. This martini isn’t cloying. We also add freshly squeezed lemon juice and vodka to create balance.
How to Make
The first step is to make our strawberry-basil simple syrup. To do this, we simply cook equal parts water and sugar in a small pot with fresh strawberries and basil. We bring the mixture to a boil and then turn off the heat to allow the syrup to steep to maximize flavor.
Now we strain the simple syrup and allow it to chill. When straining, I like to press down on the strawberries to make sure we get all that fresh strawberry flavor. The simple syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for several weeks.
Before mixing our martini, let's first make sure we chill our serving glasses. After all, we're talking summer martinis here. A chilled martini glass will go a long way in keeping our cocktail as cold and refreshing as possible.
We can chill our glasses a couple ways. One option is to place the glass in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Another great method is to fill the glass with water and ice, let it sit while you make the martini and then dump the water and ice when you're ready to serve.
Now we grab a cocktail shaker and add our strawberry-basil simple syrup, limoncello, vodka, freshly squeezed lemon juice and a handful of ice. We give it a good shake -- about 30 seconds -- and then pour into our chilled glass.
And that's it! Couldn't be easier, huh? Now sip away on the patio with good company for the perfect summer evening.
Related: For more strawberry cocktails, try my strawberry mojito, minted strawberry Moscow Mule, and roasted strawberry Aperol spritz.
Perfect Pairing
With the strawberry, basil and lemon, you'll love a caprese-inspired snack or meal with this martini. You can keep it simple with caprese skewers or crostini or indulge in this decadent, creamy caprese carbonara that everyone is sure to love.
Or maybe you're looking for something on the sweeter side. My blueberry-strawberry shortcakes are a delicious option. I just love how the basil complements the sweet berries just like it does in our martini.
I hope you make the most of patio nights with this strawberry-basil limoncello martini. You'll love every fresh sip.
Cheers!
Love Strawberry Cocktails?
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Strawberry-Basil Limoncello Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger or small measuring cup
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
For Strawberry-Basil Simple Syrup
- 2 cups strawberries halved and tops removed
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
For Strawberry-Basil Limoncello Martini
- 1 ounce strawberry-basil simple syrup
- 1 ounce limoncello
- 1 ounce vodka
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Ice
- Fresh strawberry for garnish, optional
- Fresh basil bunch for garnish, optional
- Lemon twist for garnish, optional
Instructions
For Strawberry-Basil Simple Syrup
- For the simple syrup, simmer the strawberries, sugar, water and basil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and mash the strawberries as the syrup cooks to help incorporate the strawberry flavor. As soon as the sugar dissolves, remove from heat.
- Steep for at least 10 minutes or until the flavor infuses. Strain, pushing down on the strawberries, and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container until chilled. This can be done several weeks in advance.
For Strawberry-Basil Limoncello Martini
- Add the strawberry-basil simple syrup, limoncello, vodka and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice. Put on the top and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled martini glass. If desired, garnish with a strawberry, basil and lemon twist. Enjoy!
Notes
- For full tips, please see blog post.
- Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Beth says
Oh wow! This was such a hit over the weekend! My hubby and I enjoyed this so much! I can’t wait to make this again! Such a great drink after a long day of working in the yard!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I'm so glad you loved it!
Sara Welch says
Love a sweet cocktail with a kick! Going to wind down with this tonight; looks too good to pass up!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I hope you loved it!
Sarah Baumeister says
Your pictures are next level beautiful. They showcase a lovely drink so well.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you so much, Sarah! That's so sweet of you.
Andrea says
This sounds delightful. I definitely need to make the strawberry-basil simple syrup for this and your other drinks.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
I hope you do! I just love the flavor for summer.
Tara says
Such an amazing martini to celebrate summer! Those flavors sound amazing and I especially love the color.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It really is perfect for this time of year!
Allison says
I love limoncello and this drink flavor combination sounds fabulous!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It’s a delight! Hope you get a chance to try it.
Helen @ family-friends-food.com says
So summery and delicious! A great way to enjoy the fresh seasonal strawberries.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Totally! I just love how dressing tasting this cocktail is.
Chris Collins says
Strawberry and basil is such a glorious combo, so I imagine these are delicious!
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
They were made for each other!
Alexandra says
Such an elegant and delicious cocktail! Cheers! X
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Aparna says
Beautiful presentation! Makes me want to have it right away during the heat wave we've been experiencing (and for the rest of summer too)
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It’s definitely the perfect refresher for those hot days!
Caroline says
This looks so pretty and I love the sound of the flavors in this drink. I've tried limoncello with berries before and it pairs so well.
Amanda McGrory-Dixon says
It’s like they were made for each other!