If you’re looking for the ultimate refreshing cocktail to sip on during warm summer days, this Strawberry Basil Spritz is the answer. Light, slightly sweet, and bursting with seasonal flavour, it’s the kind of drink that instantly makes an ordinary evening feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply enjoying a quiet backyard happy hour, this recipe is easy to make and impossible not to love.

For more summer hosting & recipes, check out:

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. All listed prices are subject to change.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Basil Spritz

This cocktail blends fresh muddled strawberries with fragrant basil, a splash of citrus, a touch of sweetness, and bubbly prosecco or sparkling water. It’s endlessly sippable, and customizable depending on your mood.

Plus, it’s a great way to use up garden strawberries or basil that’s going wild in the summer heat.

Bonus: This is a great non-alcoholic cocktail too – just swap the prosecco for sparkling water or a flavoured seltzer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Fresh strawberries – Juicy and naturally sweet, strawberries give this cocktail its signature blush colour and summery flavour. Muddling them releases their juice, which blends beautifully with the basil and citrus.

Basil – brings a light herbal note that makes this drink feel garden-fresh and a little unexpected. It pairs perfectly with strawberries for a subtle twist.

Elderflower liqueur (optional but lovely – I love St. Germain) – A floral liqueur with a slightly sweet, fragrant finish. It adds an elegant layer of complexity without overpowering the other ingredients. Highly recommended if you have it!

Freshly squeezed lemon juice – The bright acidity of lemon balances the sweetness from the strawberries and liqueur. Fresh is best here.

Simple syrup – A classic sweetener for cocktails, made by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. Start with ½ oz and adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your strawberries.

Prosecco – A dry or off-dry prosecco adds the perfect fizz and just enough bite to keep things crisp. Go for something chilled and not too sweet to keep the balance right.

Sparkling water – Topping with sparkling water lightens the drink and adds extra bubbles. Choose a plain or subtly flavoured variety if you like.

Tools I Used and Loved

Our Place Bowl Set + Juicer: I used the small bowl to mix and muddle and the built-in juicer to quickly squeeze fresh lemon juice. It’s compact, pretty, and super functional.
A Simple Juicer: if you’re just looking for a quick and easy way to juice your citrus, you’ll love this little tool. The stainless steel won’t rust and it’s dishwasher safe.
Fable Wine Glasses: These glasses are my go-to for spritzes, cocktails and wine. They’re timeless, durable, and elevate any drink (use discount code ‘GINGERDEBHOUSE’).

How to Make a Strawberry Basil Spritz

Muddle
In a cocktail shaker or jar, muddle the strawberries and basil with lemon juice and simple syrup until juicy and fragrant.
Shake (optional)
Add the elderflower liqueur and a few ice cubes. Shake briefly to chill and combine the flavours.
Strain & Pour
Strain into two glasses filled with fresh ice. It’s okay to leave a little pulp if you like a rustic vibe.
Top
Pour 3 oz of prosecco into each glass, then top with a splash of sparkling water for extra bubbles.
Garnish & Serve
Add a strawberry slice and a fresh basil sprig to each glass. Sip and enjoy!

Hosting Tip: Batch It!

You can absolutely make a larger pitcher of the base mixture (strawberries, basil, lemon juice, and sweetener) ahead of time. Just keep it chilled and add prosecco or sparkling water right before serving to keep the bubbles fresh.

Tips & Variations

Make it a mocktail: Skip the prosecco and elderflower and sub in a floral sparkling water like hibiscus or lemon elderflower.
Adjust the sweetness: Add more simple syrup if your strawberries are tart, or leave it out entirely if they’re peak-season sweet. Use honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup, if that’s what you have on hand.
Batch it: You can easily double or triple this recipe for a pitcher. Just wait to add the prosecco and sparkling water until serving.
Swap the citrus: Try lime juice instead of lemon for a tangier twist.

Pin this recipe to save it for your next summer gathering or tag me on Instagram @gingerdeb.house if you make it, I’d love to see your version of the Strawberry Basil Spritz.

Strawberry Basil Spritz with Prosecco and Elderflower

Author: debbiecrawford
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This refreshing Strawberry Basil Spritz recipe is made with fresh berries, lemon juice, basil, and bubbly prosecco. A perfect summer cocktail with a floral twist of elderflower – easy, beautiful, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

4–6 fresh basil leaves

1 oz (2 tbsp) elderflower liqueur, my favourite is St. Germain (optional but lovely)

1 oz fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

6 oz chilled prosecco

Sparkling water, to top

Ice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Muddle: In a cocktail shaker or jar, muddle the strawberries and basil with the lemon juice and simple syrup until juicy and fragrant.

2. Shake (optional): Add the above mixture, elderflower liqueur and a few ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake briefly to chill and combine.

3. Strain & pour: Strain into two glasses filled with fresh ice (fine to leave some pulp if you prefer).

4. Top: Divide the prosecco between the glasses, then top with a splash of sparkling water.

5. Garnish: Add sliced strawberry and basil sprig for flair.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Category: Drinks

Connect

Strawberry Basil Spritz with Prosecco and Elderflower | Easy Summer Cocktail