Don’t let the summery fruit fool you…this old fashioned twist is bad to the bone. Refreshing and only mildly sweet, this twist on the classic old fashioned is herbal and fruity (and yep, nice and boozy). Fresh strawberry takes center stage in this easy summery strawberry old fashioned cocktail with fresh orange and basil.

Traditionally, the classic old fashioned cocktail is made with sugar, bitters, whiskey, and orange. An orange twist can be used to flavor the rim of the glass for fragrance. Here I used the citrus with strawberries and a dash of simple syrup. Fresh basil leaf goes in as well and gives off a bright yet almost spicy fragrance that complements the bourbon very well. As you can see, lots of fresh aromatics happening already!

The ingredients don’t have to be very exotic to make a wonderful cocktail. Sometimes the most simple familiar ingredients and the inspiration of the current season are enough to draw from and create something tasty and delicious…

Make Cocktail Ice for your strawberry old fashioned

In order to chill this old fashioned in style, I went ahead and filled an ice mold with filtered water and tossed in thinly sliced strawberries and torn basil leaves. This gives it one extra special/colorful touch! If you have time, prepare these craft cocktail ice cubes in advance and freeze overnight.

This takes only minutes to do but adds a little extra special touch. My mold holds 2×2 inch cubes which are big enough to chill my cocktail without diluting as much.

You can also pour in your favorite white wine or rosé instead of water and add fruit to create frozen wine cubes for chilling your favorite punch or sangria!

Muddle The Fresh Fruit For Your Old Fashioned Cocktail

In a mixing glass add orange, strawberry, simple syrup, basil leaf, and bitters.  Muddle until fruit is crushed and and mixed in with syrup and bitters. I only used a 1/2 oz syrup because I want the bourbon to really shine, but if you like it sweeter, add more!

Using Bitters In A Cocktail…

Angostura bitters add botanical and herbal notes along with a wonderful fragrance that brings something special to every sip. Bitters are usually used in other popular drinks as well, like Manhattans and Rickeys just to name a few.

Add Bourbon + Ice & Stir

Next, add bourbon. Add ice. Or, if prepared, add the strawberry and basil cubes shown up top. Stir with a bar spoon until fruit and bourbon are combined and everything is chilled through: about 1 minute.

Optional: Finish off with a small splash of sparkling water over the top.

Related: Bourbon Peach Iced Tea

Sip It In Style: Garnish & Serve YOur SUmmer Strawberry Old Fashioned with Basil

Garnish with a basil leaf, a small berry or an orange twist. You can even simply rub the rim of the glass with an orange twist and toss it in. This scent from the orange peel is amazing in an old fashioned cocktail. Here I wrapped a basil leaf with an orange twist, skewered it, and dunked it in!

Have you ever tried a fruity twist on an old fashioned? If you try this recipe, rate it and let me know how it goes!!! If you put your own spin on it, tell me what you changed! This same cocktail would be awesome with blackberries or even blueberries too! If its a crisp burst of citrus you love, try this easy orange mint sparkling old fashioned cocktail! Don’t forget a delicious ripe blueberry mint julep for hotter summer days…

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