02/06/2022

Welcome to this week’s recipe – a gorgeous Strawberry Basil Smash Drink 🤩. Personally, I stopped drinking alcohol a few years ago. I noticed that it messed with my gut health, and my anxiety. But that does not mean that I am perfectly content with siping water whilst everyone else is having a fancy drink at a gathering. Which is the reason why I thought I would introduce a new mocktail this week 😉.

Two Strawberry Basil Smash Drinks in a glass topped with lime, strawberries, and basil

Truth be told, this mocktail could probably easily be turned into a cocktail if you wanted to. Simply replace the sparkling water (or soda if you want it a tad sweeter) with some gin and tonic and it will likely be as beautiful and fancy 🥰.

Strawberry Basil Smash Drink in a glass topped with lime, strawberries, and basil

Did you know that photographing glasses and drinks is a particularly difficult topic on its own? Some photographers even classify it differently from food photography. That is because glassware can be hit by light so differently and also reflect a lot as well if you are not angling said light right. You have to really pay attention to where your camera is and how the light gets reflected. I practiced a different set-up from my usual one for these photos as well. How are you finding them 😍?!

Why is this Strawberry Basil Smash Drink good for you?

Strawberries

Strawberries belong to the rose family. This family also includes fruits such as blackberries, raspberries, apples, almonds, peaches, and cherries (among others). They are exceptionally high in Vitamin C, which is also a large contributor to their antioxidant qualities. Strawberries also contain a diverse group of further antioxidants most of which also act as an anti-inflammatory within the body. There is more and more research indicating that strawberries are exceptionally good for your heart health. When consuming strawberries (most studies consume between 2 – 4 cups daily for a period of 10 to 30 days), there appears to be less platelet aggregation. Strawberries also appear to be protecting blood vessels by producing an enzyme that breaks down a lipid responsible for damage to said vessels.

Strawberries are also great for your blood sugar levels. Especially after consuming a meal, strawberries can lower your blood sugar and appear to be regulating your insulin levels. This effect may further be supported by the amount of folate that is in strawberries. Deficiencies in folate have been associated with an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. When buying strawberries, pay attention to the color. You want them at the peak of ripeness (that way they will also be most delicious) but not slightly dull red. When they are not shining any longer, their ripeness has passed, they will be slightly mushy, and appear to be losing some of their antioxidant benefits. Also, strawberries do not continue to ripen once harvested, so do not buy them unripe. Last but not least, strawberries are largely susceptible to pesticides, so where possible it makes sense to buy this fruit organic.

How can I adjust this Strawberry Basil Smash Drink to my Dietary Requirements?

This mocktail is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, paleo-friendly (choose sparkling water), and nut-free. It can be enjoyed by all dietary requirements!!

Other Strawberry Recipes on the Blog

There are so many delicious strawberry recipes on the blog 🥰!! Also check out the ones below:

Strawberry Basil Smash Drink in a glass topped with lime, strawberries, and basil; photographed from side only half in view

And that is it for this week 🤗 I hope you are enjoying this delicious Strawberry Basil Smash Drink and will sip on it all summer long!! As always, do let me know how you get on with the recipe and are liking it – I love hearing from you 💕. You can post a comment below or rate the recipe. Now sip up buttercup 😉.