Gin Basil Smash Recipe
I was whipping up something cool in my kitchen and ended up with this gin basil smash that mixes gin, lemon juice, basil leaves and simple syrup into a drink that’s fun to make and even more fun to sip on, kinda like a mini adventure in every glass.
I love the Gin Basil Smash because its refreshing and bright. I use quality gin mixed with fresh lemon juice and simple syrup along with crushed basil leaves and ice.
I think every sip gives a vitamin C boost and provides a subtle herbal twist its good for you.
Ingredients
- Gin provides bold herbal botanicals and a smooth spirit base with no fiber or protein.
- Fresh lemon juice delivers a tangy sour kick, vital vitamin C and natural sugars.
- Simple syrup brings balanced sweetness with dissolved sugar, elevating the drink’s overall flavor profile.
- Fresh basil leaves add vibrant aroma, antioxidants, and trace fiber with authentic herbal flair.
- Ice cubes chill and dilute the cocktail to ensure a smooth, refreshing sip every time.
- Altogether, these ingredients harmonize to create a lively, balanced cocktail perfect
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- Ice cubes
How to Make this
1. Start by placing 10 fresh basil leaves into your cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in 2 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz of simple syrup.
3. Gently muddle the basil leaves with the liquids so they release their flavor.
4. Add a good amount of ice cubes to the shaker.
5. Shake the mixture well for about 15 seconds until its nice and chilled.
6. Strain the drink into a chilled glass, making sure to leave out the bits of basil.
7. If you like, drop in a few extra ice cubes into the glass for an extra cool sip.
8. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf floating on the top for that elegant look.
9. Enjoy your tasty Gin Basil Smash and have fun sipping it!Equipment Needed
1. Cocktail shaker
2. Muddler
3. Measuring jigger
4. Ice cubes (or an ice cube tray)
5. Fine strainer
6. Chilled serving glassFAQ
- Q: What exactly is a Gin Basil Smash?
A: It’s a refreshing cocktail that mixes gin with lemon, simple syrup and fresh basil leaves to create a perfect summer drink - Q: How do you best muddle the basil leaves?
A: Gently press and twist the basil with the simple syrup to release its oils, just make sure not to overdo it or youll end up with a bitter taste - Q: Can I mix the recipe to suit my taste?
A: Yep, you can always tweak the amount of lemon or syrup if you prefer a sweeter or more sour drink - Q: What type of gin works the best?
A: A good quality gin with balanced botanicals works best since its flavor is the star of the show in this cocktail - Q: Can I use mint instead of basil if I dont have any?
A: Mint works in a pinch but it gives a totally different twist to the drink, so its best to stick with basil for the authentic flavor
Gin Basil Smash Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- If you don’t have gin, you could try vodka for a cleaner taste that still works in the cocktail
- If fresh lemon juice is missing, a squeeze of lime juice can work though it gives a slightly different kick
- If you run out of simple syrup, you can use diluted agave nectar using the same measurements
- For basil leaves, mint leaves are a neat substitute, adding a similar fresh flavor but with a twist
Pro Tips
Pro Tip 1: Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you serve the drink. It makes the cocktail taste even fresher.
Pro Tip 2: Be gentle with the basil when muddling. Overdoing it can make the drink taste bitter instead of bright and herby.
Pro Tip 3: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice if you can. It really makes a big difference in the overall flavor.Here’s a more relaxed take on the recipe:
Start by tossing 10 fresh basil leaves into your cocktail shaker. Then add 2 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz of simple syrup. Gently muddle the basil with the liquids, just enough so they give off their flavor without getting all mushy. Next, load in a good handful of ice cubes and shake it up for about 15 seconds until everything is super chilled.
Now, strain the mix into your pre-chilled glass and try to leave the bits of basil behind. If you want your drink extra cool, feel free to add a couple more ice cubes into the glass. Lastly, top it off with a fresh basil leaf for a fancy look. Enjoy your tasty Gin Basil Smash and have fun sippin it!
Gin Basil Smash Recipe
My favorite Gin Basil Smash Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cocktail shaker
2. Muddler
3. Measuring jigger
4. Ice cubes (or an ice cube tray)
5. Fine strainer
6. Chilled serving glassIngredients:
- 2 oz gin
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Start by placing 10 fresh basil leaves into your cocktail shaker.
2. Pour in 2 oz of gin, 0.75 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 0.75 oz of simple syrup.
3. Gently muddle the basil leaves with the liquids so they release their flavor.
4. Add a good amount of ice cubes to the shaker.
5. Shake the mixture well for about 15 seconds until its nice and chilled.
6. Strain the drink into a chilled glass, making sure to leave out the bits of basil.
7. If you like, drop in a few extra ice cubes into the glass for an extra cool sip.
8. Garnish with a fresh basil leaf floating on the top for that elegant look.
9. Enjoy your tasty Gin Basil Smash and have fun sipping it!
