• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Easter
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact

Encore & More logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
  • Connect

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Drinks

    Published: Aug 31, 2022 · Modified: Mar 24, 2023 by Yvonne

    Gin Basil Smash

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    gin basil smash with lemon and roku gin on grey marble background.
    gin basil smash with lemon and roku gin on grey marble background.

    Fancy an aromatic and refreshing drink? This delicious gin basil smash cocktail makes for an impressive-looking but easy-to-make cocktail with so much flavor.

    gin basil smash with lemon and roku gin on grey marble background.

    Nothing better than a refreshing cocktail on a warm spring or summer day. You feel me? This gin basil smash balances the sweet, tart, and bitter flavors.

    The recipe for the cocktail is simple, and it is easy to make at home. My version makes it even easier to prepare it. By substituting the simple syrup, usually used in this drink, for agave syrup.

    Jump to recipe
    • Gin basil smash history
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredient notes
    • Tips and substitutions
    • How to make a gin basil smash
    • Expert tip
    • What to serve with a gin basil smash
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related herb recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Gin basil smash history

    The Gin Basil Smash is a relatively modern cocktail. It was created by Jörg Meyer in 2008. Meyer is a German bartender. He worked at the Le Lion – Bar de Paris in Hamburg when he invented the cocktail.

    He wanted to create a cocktail that would showcase the fresh taste of basil and decided to combine it with gin. The result: A refreshing and delicious cocktail with an impressive look. Meyer's creation quickly gained popularity and has since become a classic cocktail. It is now a staple on many cocktail menus around the world.

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • aromatic
    • refreshing
    • light
    • made of only 4 ingredients
    • impressive-looking but easy to make
    • ready in 5 minutes

    Love a refreshing cocktail? Try this flavorful very berry caipiroska and lemon drop shots. They are not only delicious but also super easy to make.

    Ingredient notes

    ingredients for gin basil smash on grey marble background.
    • Sweet basil – Use the whole basil stems. They contain a lot of flavor too, which will be released while muddling them.
    • Gin – I used a floral and sweet gin variety because it goes so well with the basil and lemon.
    • Lemon – Since the lemon is used with the skin, opt for organic lemons and wash them under hot water before using them.
    • Agave syrup – Leave the sweetener out for a completely sugar-free cocktail.
    • Sparkling water – Adjust the amount of sparkling water depending on how intense in flavor you want the cocktail to be.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Tips and substitutions

    • Use organic lemons when muddling, as the skin is still on. Also, wash them with hot water before cutting and using them.
    • It is up to you how much sparkling water you fill this gin basil smash with, according to how intense in flavor you want it to be.
    • Want to make this cocktail virgin? Substitute gin with its non-alcoholic counterpart. Alternatively, leave the spirit out and add more sparkling water.

    How to make a gin basil smash

    Step 1: Wash the basil and lemons, and pat them dry. Cut the lemons in half and then quarter them.

    ingredients for gin basil smash in cocktail shaker on grey marble background.

    Step 2: Place the sprigs of basil and lemon quarters in a cocktail shaker.

    pouring gin into cocktail shaker with lemon, basil and agave syrup.

    Step 3: Add the gin and agave syrup to the cocktail shaker.

    ingredients for gin basil smash in cocktail shaker on grey marble background.

    Step 4: Add two to four ice cubes and shake until the shaker feels cold.

    pouring gin basil smash into tumbler glass with ice cubes.

    Step 5: Pour over ice into two tumbler glasses and fill with sparkling water.

    Expert tip

    Try other variations of thi gin basil to put your own spin on this classic cocktail. Add sliced cucumber, elderflower liqueur or a small amount of diced jalapeno pepper to the cocktail. It adds a refreshing twist on the original recipe.

    gin basil smash with lemon and roku gin on grey marble background.

    What to serve with a gin basil smash

    The Gin Basil Smash is a refreshing cocktail that pairs well with different foods. Here are a few suggestions:

    1. Light appetizers: The herbaceous and slightly tart flavor profile of the Gin Basil Smash pairs well with light appetizers such as this sardine, tomato and red onion bruschetta and these white bean pomegranate crostini.
    2. Fresh salads: The freshness of the basil in the Gin Basil Smash makes it a great match for fresh and light salads like this smoked salmon salad with herb vinaigrette.
    3. Pizza: This refreshing basil cocktail also goes well with this Caprese tortilla pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil to complement the drink.
    4. Fish: The Gin Basil Smash pairs well with fish dishes like this salmon teriyaki bowl. The cocktails' bright and refreshing flavor profile complements the delicate flavors of fish.
    5. Roasted vegetables: The Gin Basil Smash's refreshing taste also pairs well with vegetable dishes such as this air fryer crispy roasted carrots or these potatoes, wild garlic, and spring greens. The cocktails' slightly tart flavor can help cut through the richness of grilled vegetables.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I use a different type of basil for this recipe?

    Of course. Try this drink with Thai basil, holy basil or other herbs for a delicious twist.

    How do I muddle without a muddler?

    Use the thick end of a cooking spoon to muddle the ingredients in the cocktail shaker.

    What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

    A good cocktail shaker substitute is a sealable jar. Muddle the ingredients in a sealable jar and shake with ice until well combined.

    Related herb recipes

    • flatlay of detoxing green juice on beige background with with fruits and vegetables.
      Detoxing Green Juice
    • thai basil pesto in weck jar on baking sheet with smashed potatoes.
      Vegan Thai Basil Pesto
    • Spicy Herb and Greens Omelette
      Spicy Herb and Greens Omelette
    • smoked salmon with herb vinaigrette and cucumber on white plate with vintage fork.
      Smoked Salmon Salad with Herb Vinaigrette

    Did you try one or more of these recipes?
    Leave a ⭐️ review below and tag @encore_more on Instagram & Facebook!

    📖 Recipe

    gin basil smash with lemon and roku gin on grey marble background.

    Gin Basil Smash Cocktail

    Yvonne
    Fancy an aromatic and refreshing drink? This delicious gin basil smash cocktail makes for an impressive-looking but easy-to-make cocktail with so much flavor.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine European, International, Italian
    Servings 2
    Calories 111 kcal

    Equipment

    • cocktail shaker with strainer
    • muddler

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 sprigs sweet basil
    • 1 lemon
    • 8 cl gin ( 2 ½ ounces)
    • 2 teaspoon agave syrup
    • sparkling water

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the basil and lemons, and pat them dry. Cut the lemons in half and then quarter them.
    • Place the sprigs of basil and lemon quarters in a cocktail shaker. Muddle until well combined and the juices of the lemon and basil release.
    • Add the gin, agave syrup, and 2-4 ice cubes to the cocktail shaker. Shake until the shaker feels cold.
    • Strain the cocktail into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

    Notes

    • It is up to you how much sparkling water you fill this gin basil smash with, according to how intense in flavor you want it to be.
    • Want to make this cocktail virgin? Substitute gin with its non-alcoholic counterpart. Alternatively, you can leave the spirit out altogether and fill the drink with more sparkling water.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 111kcalCarbohydrates: 8.4gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.1gSodium: 6mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 0.9gSugar: 0.7gCalcium: 14mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @encore_more or tag #encoremore on Instagram!

    More Balanced Drink Recipes

    • blood orange vodka cocktail with blood orange slice garnish on rosy background.
      Blood Orange Vodka Fizz
    • hot aperol in whisky glasses with orange and cinnamon garnish on background with snow.
      Hot Aperol
    • Very Berry Caipiroska
      Very Berry Caipiroska
    • Tropical Mango Banana Smoothie
      Tropical Mango Banana Smoothie

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Yvonne! Welcome to my world of deliciously healthy food. Here you'll find recipes that are flavourful, seasonal and approachable. Ready to indulge?

    More about me →

    Connect with me

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest

    Trending Recipes

    • hot aperol in whisky glasses with orange and cinnamon garnish on background with snow.
      Hot Aperol
    • Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (without Curry Paste)
      Quick Yellow Vegetable Curry (Without Curry Paste)
    • creamy curry in soup bowl on vintage plate.
      Healthy Chicken Curry
    • Middle Eastern-Style Beef Chili
      North African-Style Beef Chili
    • mixed berry compote wit vintage silver spoon on textured dusty rose plate on grey background.
      Healthy Mixed Berry Compote
    • vibrant and spicy mango sauce in weck jar with vintage spoon on grey blue background
      Mango Hot Sauce

    Easter Recipes

    • healthy breakfast bread with spinach, hummus and poached egg on grey plate with vintage cutlery.
      Healthy Breakfast Bread
    • carrot soup with curry and coconut milk in blue bowls with props.
      Curried Carrot Ginger Soup (With Coconut Milk)
    • Sardine, Tomato and Red Onion Bruschetta
      Sardine, Tomato And Red Onion Bruschetta
    • New Potatoes, Wild Garlic & Spring Greens
      New Potatoes, Wild Garlic and Spring Greens
    • Healthyish Carrot Cake Cinnamon Cupcakes
      Healthyish Carrot Cake Cinnamon Cupcakes
    • No-Bake Stracciatella Energy Bites
      No-Bake Stracciatella Energy Bites

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    More

    About Me

    Disclaimer

    Privacy Policy

    Imprint

    Cookie Policy (EU)

    Accessibility

    Recipe Index

    Breakfast

    Main Dishes

    Snacks & Sides

    Sweet Treats

    Drinks

    Contact

    Have questions or concerns?

    Get in touch

    Copyright © 2023 Encore & More. All rights reserved.

    Manage Cookie Consent
    We use cookies to optimize our website and our service.
    Functional Always active
    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
    Preferences
    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
    Statistics
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
    Marketing
    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
    Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
    View preferences
    {title} {title} {title}