Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
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There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a Gin Basil Smash cocktail in the summer. This easy drink combines the crisp, botanical notes of gin with muddled fresh basil and bright lemon, making it the perfect companion for those lazy summer afternoons or evenings around the bonfire.
A gin smash pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, including your summer favorites like grilled chicken and just about anything covered in barbecue sauce. Its light flavors complement grilled seafood, light salads, and herb-infused appetizers, making it an ideal choice for summer barbecues or garden parties.
Whether you’re hosting a casual brunch, enjoying a picnic, or celebrating a special occasion, the gin smash cocktail is a fabulous choice. Its refreshing qualities make it a go-to drink for warm-weather events, while the quick preparation make it an easy choice for your summer party’s signature cocktail.
Ingredients
- Gin – Your favorite gin will work great in this cocktail. New to gin? Start with a London Dry Gin like Beefeater.
- Lemon – Use a fresh lemon both in this cocktail and its garnish.
- Simple Syrup – A little sweetness to cut the lemon. Make your own simple syrup at home with 2 ingredients! Get my microwave instructions on my simple syrup recipe page.
- Basil – Only fresh basil will work here. If you can’t find any, try using fresh rosemary instead.
How to Make a Gin Basil Smash
Combine simple syrup, lemon and basil in a cocktail shaker.
Muddle to juice the lemon and crush the basil.
Add gin and ice to the shaker. Cover and shake well for 10 seconds.
Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
Garnish with a lemon slice and/or fresh basil.
Sip and enjoy.
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Gin Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Simple syrup
- ¼ of a Fresh lemon
- 3 large Basil leaves
- Fresh basil sprig and lemon slices, garnish
Instructions
- Combine simple syrup, the quarter of fresh lemon and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.1 oz Simple syrup, ¼ of a Fresh lemon, 3 large Basil leaves
- Muddle to juice and pulverize the lemon and crush the basil.
- Add gin and ice to the shaker.2 oz Gin
- Cover and shake well for 10 seconds.
- Double strain into a rocks glass filled with ice cubes.
- Garnish with a lemon slice and/or fresh basil. Sip and enjoy!Fresh basil sprig and lemon slices
Pro Tip
Make it your own! There are so many ways to customize a Gin Smash! While the traditional recipe is provided here, you can change out the syrup, citrus or herb to create something all your own. Try using a berry flavored simple syrup like strawberry syrup or blackberry syrup in place of the simple syrup. Or swap out the basil for fresh rosemary or thyme. No into lemon? Use orange or grapefruit instead. Mix and match with whatever you have on hand to create your own signature drink.
Make Your Own Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is quick and easy to make at home in 5 minutes using just water and sugar. Please don’t buy it at the store! Get all of my instructions, tips and microwave(!) directions over on my Simple Syrup Recipe page.
What to Serve with a Gin Smash
Looking for some light and elegant small bites to serve along with a Gin Smash? Try my savory tomato bruschetta, a bowl of peach mango salsa, some smoked salmon bites with cucumber, or go all-in on the lemon with these 10 minute mini lemon tarts.
Looking for more Smash Cocktails?
Smash cocktails are super easy and fun to make because you get to muddle all of your aggression out on that fruit! This is the one time I’ll tell you to really smash the ingredients in that shaker! Want to make more smash cocktails? Try my tequila smash and bourbon smash.
