Strawberry Gin Rickey

This strawberry gin rickey blends fresh strawberries with basil, gin, lemon juice, and club soda for a refreshing cocktail that’s sweet, tart and supremely sippable.

Also try lemon stuffed cupcakes, spring pretzel bites and clementine creamsicle martinis, or how about one of these Italian cookie recipes?

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh and fruity: Real strawberries and basil give this cocktail bright, natural flavor.
Quick to make: Just a few ingredients and simple steps.
Perfect balance: Sweet, tart and botanical flavors come together beautifully.
Summer-ready: Light, crisp and great for warm days or patio evenings.

Strawberry Gin Rickey Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and highlights the berry notes.
Strawberries: Fresh and juicy, they add color and sweetness. You can use fresh or frozen ones (if using frozen, thaw them first so they mix in better).
Basil leaves: These add an aromatic herbal note.
Gin: A botanical base spirit that pairs well with citrus and berries. A dry or citrus-forward gin complements the fruit flavors well.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and tartness. Fresh lemon juice is best.
Club soda: Adds bubbles and balances the sweetness.

How to Make a Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktail

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Make the syrup: Simmer sugar, water, strawberries, and basil until thickened, then let cool.
Mix the drink: Combine syrup, gin and lemon juice in a pitcher, then stir.
Serve: Pour over ice, top with club soda and garnish as liked.

Substitutions and Variations

Use vodka instead of gin: For a cleaner, more neutral base.
Swap basil for mint: For a different but still herbaceous twist.
Make it non-alcoholic: Omit the gin and use lemon sparkling water.
Alternatives to club soda: You can use seltzer water, regular sparkling water or a flavored fizzy water.

Serving Suggestions

With savory bites: Serve Bloody Mary deviled eggs, steak and mushroom bruschetta or pizza sliders with your strawberry gin rickeys.
With something sweet: Enjoy a slice of strawberry slab pie or some strawberry lush.

How to Store Strawberry Gin Rickey Cocktails

Store: You can keep leftovers or prepare the strawberry basil simple syrup in advance. It lasts refrigerated for up to a week so you can double or triple the recipe and have it ready to go.
Freeze: If you freeze it, the cocktail will lose its fizz, so I don’t recommend this.