This Gin Basil Smash is a light, refreshing, and herb-forward cocktail, ideal for sipping on a warm, sunny afternoon. Combine gin, fresh lime juice, Cointreau, and a touch of simple syrup with torn basil leaves to create a bright, aromatic drink that tastes like relaxing on a shaded patio.
Why You’ll Love This Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
If you enjoy fresh herbs, a basil plant is an excellent kitchen companion and makes this cocktail especially easy to prepare all summer long. The Gin Basil Smash balances bright citrus, subtle sweetness, and the fragrant, peppery notes of basil. It’s simple to make and easy to adjust: tear the leaves lightly for a gentle herb flavor, or muddle them for a deeper, more pronounced basil character.
Adjust the basil intensity by changing the number of leaves or how vigorously you bruise them. The combination of gin and lime, with a hint of orange from Cointreau, creates a lively, balanced cocktail that’s both elegant and approachable.
History of the Gin Basil Smash
The Gin Basil Smash was invented in 2008 by German bartender Jörg Meyer in Hamburg. Inspired by the classic whiskey smash—which mixes whiskey, lemon, mint, and sugar—the gin version, featuring basil and citrus, quickly gained popularity and recognition among cocktail enthusiasts.
Gin Basil Cocktail Ingredients
The essentials of a Gin Basil Smash are gin, fresh basil, and citrus. This recipe uses lime because it pairs exceptionally well with basil’s herbal brightness. A splash of Cointreau adds an extra citrus dimension and a touch of sweetness, making the cocktail lively and refreshing.
- Lime – juiced
- Basil – torn
- Gin
- Cointreau
- Simple syrup
How to Make a Gin Basil Smash
Step 1: Combine and Shake
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add fresh lime juice, torn basil leaves, gin, Cointreau, and simple syrup. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until the shaker feels very cold. The shaking chills the drink and helps release basil oils without making them bitter.
Step 2: Strain and Garnish
Strain the cocktail into a coupe or chilled glass and garnish with a fresh basil leaf. Serve immediately and enjoy.
FAQs
What is gin basil made of?
“Gin basil” generally refers to gin infused with basil flavor. A Gin Basil Smash is a cocktail that combines gin, fresh basil, and citrus—typically lime—along with a sweetener.
What’s the best gin for a Gin Basil Smash?
Use a mid-priced, good-quality gin for a balanced cocktail. Avoid heavily flavored or overly botanical gins that could compete with basil’s fresh herbal notes. A classic London Dry or a contemporary, citrus-forward gin both work well depending on personal preference.
Serving Suggestions
The Gin Basil Smash is ideal for entertaining, picnics, or a casual outdoor gathering. Its herbaceous brightness pairs well with light, fresh dishes. Consider these pairings:
- Appetizers: Fresh crostini with goat cheese, or a garlic-and-basil white cannellini bean dip with crudités.
- Main dishes: A summer salad, grilled Mediterranean-style salmon, or a chilled pasta salad for a summery meal.
- Dessert: Light fruit-based desserts like a peach cake or strawberry shortcake complement the cocktail’s citrus and herbal notes.
More Gin and Basil Based Drinks You’ll Love
- Strawberry Gin Mojito
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Basil-Infused Tequila Lemonade
- Raspberry Martini
- Negroni Spritz
If you make this Gin Basil Smash, share your photos on social media and tag the creator—you’ll be contributing to a community of home bartenders and home cooks.
Gin Basil Smash
ingredients
- 1 lime juiced
- 4 fresh basil leaves torn
- 2 oz gin
- 1 oz Cointreau
- 1 tsp simple syrup
instructions
-
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add lime juice, basil leaves, gin, Cointreau, and simple syrup. Shake for 15–20 seconds or until very cold.
-
Strain into a coupe or chilled glass and garnish with a fresh basil leaf.
notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates provided by a third-party tool.
Did you make this?
Share a photo on Instagram and tag the creator or use the community hashtag.
