Kim Haasarud

If you've never made a cocktail with herbs before, start with this recipe. It's a simple smash that results in a refreshing concoction with a beautiful color. Since basil is a mild and somewhat floral herb, it doesn't overpower the drink. The sweetness comes from juicy strawberries while fresh, naturally acidic lemons add a nice tartness. The recipe calls for gin, but if you're not a fan of the botanical spirit, use vodka instead. This libation is an ideal Summer sipper, so get the method now.

Although using herbs in cocktails is nothing new — in the Summer, I love incorporating basil into drinks — recently, I've been really into experimenting with rosemary as a flavor enhancer. In this recipe, the woodsy herb adds a hint of earthiness to a vodka-cranberry-based concoction. The original method, which I found on a fun iPhone application, calls for blackberry vodka, but I didn't want to splurge on an entirely new bottle of vodka, so I substituted regular vodka instead. It still tastes delicious: it's potent yet balanced and fruity without being overly sweet. I'm definitely making this recipe again! To give it a try, learn the technique now.