strawberry basil smash
Easy like a Friday evening.
Thursday, when I’m writing this, I woke up utterly unmotivated for anything life expected of me. Workouts, work, recipe testing, nothing sounded fun. I didn’t even have much of an appetite. I’d imagine a massive kitchen failure the prior day didn’t feed into any positive energy channels, and I didn’t sleep particularly well Wednesday night. A bit of a dud day.
I got through my shift and hit the pool for a little 1100 yard splash, and after that mini session I actually felt a lot better. Swimming, I’ve mentioned prior, is my chill sport. I like to form workouts but I put 0 pressure on myself to ~perform~. I’m not a great swimmer and becoming one isn’t really a goal of mine. I just love being outside, in the water, sun beaming down and giving me awkward tanlines on my back. It’s a soothing pasttime for me.
I find it crucial to hone in on hobbies or activities that serve only to calm you, or bring you to the present, rather than focusing constantly on productivity or competition. I fall into the latter traps sometimes, I am a human, after all. If everything we did was to serve some greater purpose, though, doesn’t that detract from enjoying everyday simplicities?
I don’t know, some people thrive on 0 work-life balance, but that’s not me. I need to rest, give my mind a breather. Swimming gives me that outlet. I’m grateful for it.
For some, an evening in the armchair with a good drink in hand is a healthy habit (so long as you don’t overdo it and don’t drive) and this Strawberry Basil Smash is a great option for those of that mindset. An outdoor picnic sip, or an indoor movie-watching drink, the atmosphere matters not so long as you’re content. Probably a hockey-watching cocktail for me this weekend. Anyone else tuning in to the Stanley Cup? If no, you suck.
A little muddling is the only real effort for this cocktail. And, if you wish to rim the glass with lemon sugar as I, though certainly not traditional and not required. Squish up some mint and basil with lemon, honey, and fresh strawberries, add bourbon, shake, pour. Nothing more than that. I love bubbles atop my drinks so some sparkling water tops off the glass, but again – this is also not required.
What is required? That you have a dope weekend. I demand it of you. And if you don’t, well, that’s okay, too. Try again the next day. Just keep trying. If you’re not motivated for life’s obstacles, try going for a swim. Sunshine and water does wonders to buoy the mood.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
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Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars
strawberry basil smash
Ingredients
- 6 mint leaves
- 6 basil leaves
- 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- 2-3 tsp honey, or to taste
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- sparkling water, to top
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail glass with crushed or whole ice. In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves, basil leaves, strawberries, lemon juice, and honey until squished and juicy. Yes, squished is a professional term.. Pour in the bourbon. Add ice and shake until cold. Strain into prepared cocktail glass and top with sparkling water, as desired. Garnish with extra strawberries, mint leaves, and basil leaves.
