Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe with Basil-Infused Simple Syrup

You’ll feel like you’re on vacation when you sip this Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri. Easy to make at home, it’s ideal for parties, barbecues, or poolside relaxing. A bright blend of basil simple syrup, ripe strawberries, rum, and fresh lime juice makes a refreshing summer cocktail.

Wish you could escape to a tropical beach for the afternoon? While I can’t teleport you to Jamaica, this strawberry daiquiri recipe is the next best thing. Close your eyes, take a sip, and you’ll be in vacay mode. As a kid I loved the non-alcoholic versions; now I enjoy the grown-up version with rum—and a little twist: basil simple syrup.

Flavored simple syrups are a small step that delivers big flavor in cocktails. Making a basil simple syrup is simple: simmer equal parts sugar and water with a handful of fresh basil leaves, strain, cool, and you’re ready to add a subtle herbal note to your daiquiri. You can swap basil for other herbs or fruits to craft custom cocktails.

This recipe uses white rum for a classic light flavor, fresh lime juice for brightness, and plenty of ice to create a slushy texture. Use fresh or frozen strawberries; frozen fruit reduces the amount of ice needed. Blend everything until smooth and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

What is in a strawberry daiquiri?

• Strawberries – fresh or frozen both work.
• Rum – white rum is traditional; dark rum can be used for a richer flavor. Omit for a virgin daiquiri.
• Lime juice – fresh squeezed for best brightness.
• Ice – enough to create a slushy consistency.
• Simple syrup – plain sugar syrup or a flavored version such as basil simple syrup for an herbal twist.

How to make simple syrup

Simple syrup is made by combining equal parts sugar and water and heating until the sugar dissolves. For the basil syrup below, use 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water to yield roughly 3/4 cup syrup.

Method:

• Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves (about 2–3 minutes).
• Add fresh basil leaves while the mixture warms to infuse flavor. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove from heat and strain out the basil. Chill the syrup before using in cocktails.

Flavored syrup ideas: cucumber, blackberry, rosemary, lavender, black peppercorn, ginger, cinnamon sticks. Try combining flavors—lavender-rosemary, cinnamon-ginger, or blackberry-mint—to create unique cocktail profiles.

How long can you keep simple syrup?

Store simple syrup in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Make a batch and use it throughout the summer to speed up cocktail prep. Keep extra on hand for mocktails, lemonades, and iced teas as well.

How to make a strawberry daiquiri

Once your syrup is cooled, making the daiquiri takes just minutes. Combine the syrup, strawberries, rum, lime juice, and ice in a blender and puree until smooth. If you use frozen strawberries, begin with less ice; start with about 2 cups of ice and add more until you reach the preferred slushy texture.

More frozen cocktail recipes to try

Explore other icy cocktails for summer entertaining and backyard gatherings:

• Frozen Peach Sangria – a sunny, fruit-forward blended sangria.
• Lemon Berry White Wine Slushies – a refreshing wine-based slushy with citrus and berries.
• Frozen Mango Margarita – tropical mango blended with lime and tequila for a fast crowd-pleaser.
• Frozen Red Sangria – traditional red sangria served frozen for a fun twist.
• Strawberry Watermelon Wine Slushies – bright, fruity, and perfect for serving from a hollowed watermelon.