This has got to be one of my favorite cocktails and it’s all thanks to Jörg Meyer who owns Le Lion in Hamburg. Jörg created this masterpiece back in 2008 after being inspired by the Whisky Smash (also a great cocktail by a guy called Dale DeGroff!). The Gin Basil Smash is basically an alternative take on the gin mojito that swaps the mint for muddled basil, but it’s definitely in a league of its own. This gin sensation even won the 2008 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards (now that’s an award show I’d love to go to!).
Also, let’s not forget that basil is a vegetable, so technically this counts as one of your five a day… right?!
How to Make a Gin Basil Smash
- Combine the basil, syrup, lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.
- Crush the basil until bruised.
- Pour in the gin and ice cubes and place the lid on the shaker.
- Shake until the outside of the shaker gets freezing cold.
- Strain into a tall cocktail glass, add some more ice on top, and drink up!
Tips and Tricks For Making Gin Basil Smash
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can blend the sugar syrup and basil instead of muddling. This will give you a super refreshing drink. Just make sure to double-strain.
- If you want to experiment a bit, add some fresh blackberries for a Blackberry Gin Basil Smash! Just muddle the blackberries with honey until jammy before continuing with the rest of the recipe instructions.
- If you have any leftover syrup, you can keep it in the refrigerator for a week before it goes off. I like to use it for making sodas!
More Gin-Based Cocktails to Try:
Here a few of my favorite gin cocktails.
Tangerine & Gin: this is definitely one for the tangerine lovers!
Sloe Gin Fizz Recipe: simple and delicious- this one goes down way too easily!
Gin Swizzle Recipe: easy to make and seriously refreshing!
Blueberry Mint Gin Fizz: this summery drink tastes just as good as it looks!
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How To Make a Gin Basil Smash
Ingredients
- 10 leaves fresh basil
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 4 ounces good quality gin
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine basil leaves, simple syrup and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker.Crush the basil till bruised with a muddler, which will release the oils. The juice might start to turn green, this is ok!
- Pour in the gin and ice cubes, place lid on top of the shaker.
- Shake the container until the outside of the cocktail shaker is freezing cold.This is how you know the drink is cold enough!
- Strain into a tall cocktail glass, add additional ice to the top and enjoy!
Ka says
I’m very picky about my drinks as my Hubbie is a mixologist. But this was great! 10 giant basil leaves from the garden. Might add cuke to the muddling next time.tanqueray 10 was spot on.
Mr. Kitchen Magpie says
Cucumber would definitely be delicious in this, good idea!
Dianna says
Great drink! Apparently this is very popular in Lebanon, that’s why I searched and will keep this recipe.
Deborah Winsberg says
Super delish, super easy….this might not be a good thing 😛
kate says
so boss combines my 3 favorite things
Tammy Foster says
I was looking for a cocktail that would utilize 2 of my favorites: basil and gin which this cocktail hits the spot. It’s a sipper which I appreciate. Thanks!
Josh says
This is a great recipe. Refreshing and easy-drinking. I ran out of simple syrup, so augmented with a bit of maple syrup. A bit sweet, but a great mix of flavours.
J P says
Great drink. Refreshing great flavor. Very easy to drink. I would use less lemon juice 1.5 oz and throw in a few lemon chunks to the muddle. Use 1.75 oz simple syrup as I like just a little less sweet. And 5 oz Gin. I use Pinnacle Gin it is not overbearing and lighter
Mark Wicklund says
im sure the grey goose would work just as well
Karlynn Johnston says
No. Gin is magic in this. Vodka has a place…just not here \U0001f602
Mark Wicklund says
Gin vodka rum yup love them all. Medicinal purposes only. Drs orders
Matt Lief says
Yes, Dr. Wicklund orders lol
The Spirited Thrifter says
It really just makes me want gin. I mean pesto. Whatever.
Shannon Ebbesen says
“Security, Aisle 7”
Oneinblack Mary Jane Smith says
giggle away lmao
The Kitchen Magpie says
I literally had my nose in it the whole time in the store. Love basil!’
Lakeisha Coley says
I can smell it from here! 🙂
Nick K says
Has anyone tried making this with fresh lemons instead of lemon juice?
Peggy Dunn says
Love love love Bombay gin! Going to give cocktail a try
Shelby says
The 4oz of gin and 10 basil leaves sounded like a bit much but I went for it and the ratios are pretty spot on! I used agave in place of simple syrup and it came out great! I also used Sam’s Club gin (no need for top shelf).
Meg Humphrey says
They are delicious! I’ve been enjoying them all summer!
Nicole Ebbesen Rowan says
Great recipe indeed! Now I kinda want one but my bartender is sleeping!!
Linsey Marwick says
Sounds good for any day of the week! Cheers 😉
The Kitchen Magpie says
Oh, it is! Let me know if you try it!
Jody says
What is simple syrup and a muddler? Fellow gin drinker wants to know.
thekitchenmagpie says
@Jody Simple syrup is a white sugar and water syrup, VERY easy to make! I will link to a muddler above in my post for you ASAP. It’s something every cocktail drinker should have! Inexpensive drink “smasher” lol!
Jody says
_u********@li******.com" profile_url="https://www.livefyre.com/profile/4786878/" ns="true">thekitchenmagpie Oooo, awesome. That’d help make a great mojito too.
thekitchenmagpie says
@Jody Try this one : https://www.thekitchenmagpie.com/how-to-make-mint-honey-simple-syrup
It’s SO much tastier! Leave out the mint for a plain simple honey syrup. It’s better than white sugar, it gives a depth of flavor that can’t be beat!
Kay says
I made this for my gin loving husband and he absolutely loved it. I used agave syrup and my helpful liquor store connection said to halve it for sweetness. It was perfect. Thank you!