This Gin Basil Smash is fresh, flavorful and only requires 4 ingredients to make! It is a delicious combination of gin, fresh basil, lemon juice and simple syrup.
I love to cook with basil, but my favorite way to use it is in cocktails and drinks! I already have a Cucumber Basil Mocktail, Watermelon Basil Vodka Cocktail and a Strawberry Basil Mocktail here on Earthly Provisions. It pairs so well with so many flavors; I just can't resist!
So, I needed to make just one more: the Gin Basil Smash. This cocktail is easy to make, and it is packed with fresh and vibrant flavors. It is delicious any time of year, but I especially love to make them in the Summer when I can pick basil from my garden.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe only requires 4 ingredients!
- And it's so easy to make.
- This Gin Basil Smash is bright and vibrant.
- It is packed with flavor from fresh basil and lemon juice.
- And most importantly, it is absolutely delicious!
Ingredient Notes
Gin: Use any gin you like, here. I used Drumshanbo Irish Gin.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil gives this Gin Basil Smash so much flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice only, here! The stuff in the bottle never tastes the same.
Simple Syrup: If you have store-bought simple syrup, feel free to use it. The recipe also includes directions to make it yourself.
Instructions
Step 1. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water.
Step 2. Place over medium heat and cook until the mixture comes to a boil. Then, allow it to boil for one minute.
Remove from heat and pour into a heat-safe container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Step 3. In a cocktail shaker, add the basil leaves and lemon juice.
Muddle the basil leaves until they are broken down.
Step 4. Then, add gin and simple syrup into the shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Strain the Gin Basil Smash into a rocks glass that is filled with ice.
Garnish with a lemon wheel and a basil leaf and serve.
Recipe FAQs
All gin pairs well with basil, but my favorite is Drumshanbo Irish Gin.
Smash refers to an herb or a fruit being muddled to release its flavor.
Expert Recipe Tips
Be sure to shake the cocktail for 30 seconds. This ensures the cocktail is properly diluted.
If you don't have a muddler, use a wooden spoon to muddle the basil!
Looking for More Delicious Cocktail Recipes?
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📖 Recipe
Gin Basil Smash
Equipment
- 1 Small Saucepan
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Rocks Glass
Ingredients
To Make Simple Syrup
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar
- ½ Cup Water
For the Gin Basil Smash
- 6 Medium Basil Leaves See Note
- ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 oz Gin
- ¾ oz Simple Syrup
Instructions
For the Simple Syrup
- Combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then allow it to boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat, then transfer the syrup to a heat-safe container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.½ Cup Granulated Sugar, ½ Cup Water
For the Gin Basil Smash
- Combine Basil and lemon juice in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Smash the basil using a muddle or a wooden spoon until the basil is bruised and broken up.6 Medium Basil Leaves, ¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- Add the gin and simple syrup to the shaker, then fill it with ice. Shake the cocktail for 30 seconds.2 oz Gin, ¾ oz Simple Syrup
- Then, fill a rocks glass with ice and strain the cocktail into it. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a basil leaf and serve.
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