Gin Basil Smash Recipe

Have you ever found a cocktail so good that it instantly becomes a favorite? That’s what happened when we first tried the Gin Basil Smash recipe on a warm summer day, and now we can’t get enough of it. This refreshing mix of gin, fresh basil, zesty lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup is sure to delight your taste buds.

The Gin Basil Smash is more than just a delicious drink. It’s a modern classic with an interesting history. Bartender Jörg Meyer created it in 2008 in Hamburg, Germany. Originally called the “Gin Pesto,” it quickly became the bright, flavorful cocktail we know today.

This cocktail brings together the fresh, herbal flavor of basil, the tangy zest of lemon, and the smoothness of gin. Whether you’re hosting a summer party, relaxing in the garden, or just unwinding at home, the Gin Basil Smash is the perfect drink to savor.

Ingredients Needed for the Gin Basil Smash

Making a delicious Gin Basil Smash is all about getting the right ingredients. Let’s go over what you’ll need, from the best gin to fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Gin

Gin is the heart of the Gin Basil Smash. Its botanical flavors, like juniper, citrus, and spices, complement the herbal and citrus notes in this cocktail.

When picking your gin, look for a brand with a balanced flavor. Hendrick’s Gin, with its floral and cucumber hints, pairs wonderfully with basil. Tanqueray No. Ten is another great choice, known for its citrus-forward taste. Bombay Sapphire offers a mix of complex botanicals that add depth to your drink.

A dry gin works best to balance the sweetness of the simple syrup and lemon juice, making your drink crisp and refreshing.

Fresh Basil Leaves

Fresh basil leaves are key to the Gin Basil Smash’s vibrant flavor and aroma. Look for bright green leaves that are firm and free of dark spots or wilting.

Choose leaves that smell fresh and aromatic, as basil quickly loses its essential oils. These oils are what give the cocktail its unique taste.

When you’re ready to mix, gently muddle the basil leaves in your shaker. This releases the oils and gives your drink that distinctive herbal kick. Just be careful not to overdo it because too much muddling can make the basil taste bitter.

Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice is a must for this cocktail. It adds brightness and acidity, perfectly balancing the other flavors. Skip the bottled stuff because fresh lemon juice brings a vibrant zing that makes all the difference.

Lemon juice helps tie together the basil and gin, cutting through the sweetness of the simple syrup and making the drink lively and refreshing.

Here’s a tip: roll the lemon on the counter before squeezing to get the most juice out. The fresh citrus notes will take your cocktail to the next level.

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is the sweetener that brings everything together. It softens the tartness of the lemon juice and adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Making simple syrup at home is easy. Just combine equal parts sugar and water, heat until the sugar dissolves, and let it cool. You can store it in the fridge for future use.

Simple syrup ensures that each sip is perfectly balanced, smoothing out the edges and blending all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make a Gin Basil Smash Cocktail

We always start with fresh ingredients. For a Gin Basil Smash, you need gin, fresh basil, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Fresh basil leaves adds a unique fragrance, while lemon juice gives a sharp citrus punch. Simple syrup balances the tartness and gin brings everything together.

Let’s begin by muddling the basil. Place the fresh basil leaves at the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Gently press them with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon. As you do, you’ll start to notice the lovely herbal aroma that will infuse our cocktail with a fresh, vibrant note.

Next, it’s time to mix the ingredients. Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Getting the balance right here is crucial. The botanicals in the gin blend beautifully with the basil and lemon, creating a refreshing and flavorful combination.

Now, let’s shake things up. Fill your shaker with ice and give it a good shake for about 10-15 seconds. You’ll feel the shaker getting cold as the ice cools down the ingredients, making for a perfectly chilled drink.

After shaking, it’s time to strain and serve. Pour the mixture through a strainer into a chilled old-fashioned glass filled with fresh ice. Double straining will give your cocktail a smooth texture, free of any basil bits.

To finish, garnish with a few fresh basil leaves or a twist of lemon peel on top. Not only does this make your cocktail look inviting, but it also adds an extra touch of aroma that enhances the overall experience.

Now, sit back and enjoy your Gin Basil Smash. It’s the perfect drink for a warm day or a cozy evening with friends. Cheers!

Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Gin Basil Smash

Making a perfect Gin Basil Smash is all about finding the right balance of flavors. Start by adjusting the simple syrup and lemon juice to suit your taste. If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, add a bit more syrup. If you’re into a tangier flavor, a little extra lemon juice will do the trick.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Always go for fresh basil and squeeze your own lemon juice. These vibrant, fresh flavors can really elevate your cocktail.

When it comes to muddling the basil, a gentle touch is best. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to press the leaves just enough to release their oils. Be careful not to over-muddle, as that can make the drink taste bitter.

How you serve the Gin Basil Smash also adds to the experience. Use an old-fashioned glass or a rocks glass filled with ice. A fresh basil leaf on top makes for an elegant garnish and adds a final burst of aroma.

Variations of the Gin Basil Smash to Try

The Gin Basil Smash is a versatile cocktail, and there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this classic. Let’s explore some fun variations to make it uniquely yours.

Flavored Spirits: Try using flavored gins or even vodka instead of regular gin. A citrus-infused gin can add a zesty kick, while a floral gin brings a more aromatic touch to the drink.

Citrus Twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping the lemon juice for lime or orange juice. Lime gives the cocktail a sharper, more zesty flavor, while orange juice adds a sweeter, richer note.

Fresh Fruits: For a burst of fresh flavor, toss in some muddled strawberries, blackberries, or cucumber slices. Each fruit adds its unique twist to the cocktail, making it even more refreshing.

Alternative Sweeteners: Instead of simple syrup, experiment with honey or agave nectar. Honey adds a rich, smooth sweetness, while agave provides a lighter, more subtle flavor.

Herbs: Try using mint or rosemary in place of basil, or mix them together for a more complex herbal flavor. Mint adds a refreshing, cooling taste, while rosemary gives the drink a pine-like, aromatic touch.

Green Chartreuse: For an extra herbal punch, add a barspoon of Green Chartreuse. This French liqueur is packed with rich botanical flavors that can take your cocktail to new heights.

Long Drink Version: Turn your Gin Basil Smash into a longer, more refreshing Collins. After straining, pour the cocktail into a highball glass filled with ice, and top it off with sparkling water or club soda. This creates a lighter, more sippable drink perfect for a warm day.

Give these variations a try and see which one you like best. Feel free to share your favorites and any new twists you come up with. We’d love to hear about your cocktail experiments!

Related:

• Gin and Tonic Cocktail Recipe
• Bourbon Peach Smash Recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Gin Basil Smash cocktail?

The Gin Basil Smash was crafted by Jörg Meyer in 2008 at Le Lion Bar in Hamburg, Germany. Inspired by the classic Whiskey Smash, it was initially named “Gin Pesto.” The cocktail quickly gained popularity and has since become a favorite in bars around the world.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

Fresh basil brings a vibrant, aromatic quality that dried basil simply can’t match. Using dried basil will result in a cocktail that’s less flavorful and aromatic, which might take away from the overall experience. To get the best results in your Gin Basil Smash, we highly recommend sticking with fresh basil.

What does a Gin Basil Smash taste like?

A Gin Basil Smash is a refreshing and well-balanced cocktail with bright, herbaceous notes from the basil, a tart kick from lemon juice, and a touch of sweetness from simple syrup. The gin you choose can also influence the flavor, adding its own unique botanical notes to the mix. It’s a perfect drink for warm weather or casual gatherings.

What is the best gin for a Gin Basil Smash?

For the best Gin Basil Smash, we suggest using London Dry or New Western Dry gins, known for their balanced flavor profiles. Gins like Bombay Sapphire, Hendrick’s, and Plymouth Gin work well because of their unique botanical blends. Feel free to experiment with different gins to find your favorite, as the gin you choose can significantly influence the flavor of your cocktail.

Gin Basil Smash Recipe

The Gin Basil Smash is a refreshing cocktail that brings together fresh basil, gin, and simple syrup. With its vibrant herbal notes and a hint of citrus, this drink is perfect for warm days or any time you want to enjoy a light and flavorful cocktail. Easy to make and full of fresh flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 minutes mins

Total Time 3 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Cocktail muddler or a wooden spoon
• Strainer
• Jigger

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz gin
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• 10-12 fresh basil leaves
• Ice

Instructions

 

• Place about 12 basil leaves into a shaker. Gently crush them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their flavor.
• Pour in 2 ounces of gin, 1 ounce of lemon juice, and 0.75 ounces of simple syrup. Toss in some ice.
• Secure the lid on the shaker and shake for about 20 seconds until everything is nice and cold.
• Pour the mixture into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with lime wheel or a few basil leaves, and enjoy!

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