Sweet, citrusy and ultra refreshing --- this strawberry-basil Tom Collins puts a unique, sophisticated spin on a classic gin cocktail. With its dainty pink hue, garden-fresh basil and ripe strawberries, this oh-so-pretty Tom Collins is full of summer's best flavors and always sure to impress. Bring on happy hour because you and your friends will love sipping this cocktail on warm summer nights.

Two strawberry-basil Tom Collins drinks on a pink plank with flowers.

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How to Make Strawberry-Basil Simple Syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Perfect Pairing
Love Summer Cocktails?
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Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean we need to put away our refreshing cocktail recipes. If anything, now is the time to go full force with our summer cocktails, especially those with fresh herbs.

Right now, I have so much basil growing in my garden that I can't think of a better way to celebrate summer than with a fresh herbed cocktail in hand. What's a summer celebration without a cocktail or two, right?

Some people are already turning their sights to fall, but this lady is all about embracing summer cocktails until the last moment of the season. Who else is with me?

Related: For more strawberry drinks, try my strawberry mojito, strawberry mint julep and strawberry Moscow mule.

Aerial view of a strawberry-basil Tom Collins with flowers around it.

How to Make Strawberry-Basil Simple Syrup

Before we start on the rest of our Tom Collins cocktail, we need to make the strawberry-basil simple syrup. Like its namesake, this process couldn't be simpler.

We throw equal parts of water and sugar in a pot, add lots of strawberries and fresh basil and then bring them all to a high simmer. At that point, we turn off the heat and let the mixture steep. I also like to gently muddle the syrup to get all that delicious flavor from the strawberries and basil.

Now we strain and refrigerate to chill. If you're a procrastinator or in need of a last-minute cocktail, you can use this strawberry-basil simple syrup immediately, but make sure you have plenty of ice to cool completely.

I generally recommend making simple syrup ahead of time, but I've definitely been in a pinch where I had to make it on the spot. The syrup is still delicious and works well --- just a bit warmer than ideal. But, you know, life happens, and we don't want to let that stop us from making this delicious strawberry-basil Tom Collins.

Along with this Tom Collins, you can also add this strawberry-basil simple syrup to so many drinks. Give it a try in a margarita or jazz up your vodka and soda with this simple syrup. A strawberry-basil flavored Moscow mule would be delicious as well. If you need a nonalcoholic version, it's also great in lemon-lime soda, ginger ale or your favorite flavored sparkling water.

A strawberry with flowers in the background.

Step-by-Step Instructions

With our strawberry-basil simple syrup ready, we can start on the rest of our cocktail, which is even easier to make than the simple syrup.

Let's first grab a highball or Collins glass and toss in our simple syrup, gin, fresh lemon juice and ice. Give it a stir and then add some club soda. Once again, stir but be gentle to make sure we don't agitate our club soda.

Now we garnish our fancy Tom Collins with a fresh strawberry and basil leaves, kick back and enjoy this summery cocktail, preferably on a warm patio.

A close-up of a strawberry-basil Tom Collins with strawberries beside it.

Perfect Pairing

With the sweet strawberry notes, I love pairing this Tom Collins with a dessert. Specifically, a vanilla custard, like an ice cream or pudding, is perfect. Even a cream anglaise with berries is a tasty partner.

Gin is such a complex liquor that I like to keep the food pairing simple and clean. The vanilla allows the gin to shine while offering the perfect sweetness to the strawberry-basil syrup.

When you need a refreshing summer cocktail in your life, I hope you try this strawberry-basil Tom Collins. I’m sure you’ll love this unique spin on a classic cocktail.

Cheers!

Looking down into a strawberry-basil Tom Collins with fresh strawberries and basil.

Two strawberry-basil Tom Collins drinks with flowers and strawberries.

Love Summer Cocktails?

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5 from 60 votes (42 ratings without comment)