This Ski Ya Later Cocktail is a unique strawberry basil cocktail made with strawberry puree, basil simple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. The flavors are rich and complex and complement each other perfectly for a simple drink that’s fruity, tangy, earthy, and so delicious!
Easy Strawberry Basil Cocktail
My kids are avid snowboarders and while they “hit the hill,” I always stay back at the lodge and enjoy a book and hot cocoa! This last time though, there was a drink on the menu called a Ski Ya Later Cocktail that caught my eye. I ordered one and fell in love after one sip. I scanned the ingredients and then recreated it at home.
This deep red cocktail is made with basil simple syrup, strawberry puree, vodka, and some balsamic vinegar. The balsamic threw me, but it turns out that adding balsamic vinegar to fruity cocktails is a great way to add depth and balance out the fruity flavors.
The end result is spectacular – a cocktail that’s the perfect balance of fruity and earthy. If you’re not a fan of overly sweet cocktails, definitely give this strawberry basil cocktail a try. It’s become a new favorite for us.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Basil Vodka Cocktail
- Quick and easy. Just pour the ingredients into a shaker with ice, shake, and serve.
- Unique flavor. The balsamic vinegar really gives this strawberry basil cocktail a unique, and slightly unexpected (but awesome!), flavor. It’s fruity and earthy with some of sweetness.
- Only 5 ingredients. As long as you have vodka and basil simple syrup (details below) on hand, you can whip this cocktail up anytime.
Recipe Ingredients
This strawberry basil cocktail is made with just 5 ingredients.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Vodka – I used Tito’s but any good quality vodka will work.
- Strawberry puree – This is made from fresh or frozen strawberries that have been mashed or blended into a smooth sauce, similar to my strawberry sauce. Most stores carry it. It should be diluted a bit before using in this drink.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice will add the best flavor.
- Basil simple syrup – Homemade basil simple syrup is super easy to make and just requires water, sugar, and basil. Details below.
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds a unique tangy, earthy flavor to this cocktail.
- Garnishes – I like to add a fresh strawberry, sliced in half, and a fresh basil leaf when serving.
How To Make A Ski Ya Later Cocktail
This cocktail is super simple to make. (Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Make the basil simple syrup. Combine 1 cup each water, sugar, and fresh basil leaves in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and let syrup steep for 30 minutes. Drain syrup through a mesh strainer into a sterilized glass jar; discard basil leaves. Let cool completely.
- Shake. Add all cocktail ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake to chill.
- Serve. Strain into a tumbler glass then garnish with fresh strawberry halves and a basil leaf.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry basil vodka cocktail is best served immediately since it’s shaken instead of served over ice. As noted above, I love to garnish it with a fresh strawberry and a basil leaf.
It’s a wonderful after-dinner drink to enjoy year-round with friends. You could combine larger quantities of the ingredients beforehand and chill but I think it’s just best to shake and serve as the cocktails are needed.
More Cocktail Recipes To Try
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Ski Ya Later Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces vodka (I use Titos)
- 2 ounces strawberry puree , diluted (see note)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce basil simple syrup (see note)
- 1/4 ounce balsamic vinegar
- 1 small fresh strawberry, stemmed, and sliced in half and a fresh basil leaf (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a shaker.
- Add ice and shake to chill.
- Strain into a tumbler glass.
- Garnish with the fresh strawberry halves and basil leaf, if desired.
