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.
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.
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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
- 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.
Step 2: Place the sprigs of basil and lemon quarters in a cocktail shaker.
Step 3: Add the gin and agave syrup to the cocktail shaker.
Step 4: Add two to four ice cubes and shake until the shaker feels cold.
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Pizza: This refreshing basil cocktail also goes well with this Caprese tortilla pizza with fresh tomatoes and basil to complement the drink.
- 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.
- 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
Of course. Try this drink with Thai basil, holy basil or other herbs for a delicious twist.
Use the thick end of a cooking spoon to muddle the ingredients in the 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.
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📖 Recipe
Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
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.
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