How To Make A Gin Basil Smash | A Lush Life Manual (2024)

The Gin Basil Smash co*cktail shouldn’t work but it does! This modern classic with its herbal flavors mixed with its citrus kick is one of the summer co*cktails that should be on your list!

Smash recipes are made from a spirit, fruit and sugar or simple syrup, usually served over ice or crushed ice. Something is usually muddled as well. This time it’s basil leaves. The drink has a sweet and savory flavor with a kick from lemon juice and gin.

The original recipe was invented in 2008 by a bartender named Jörg Meyer of The Lion (Bar Le Lion) in Hamburg, Germany. It was originally called the Gin Pesto, perfect for a co*cktail including peppery basil leaf. But as it caught on, the name changed. It did win “Best New co*cktail” at the 2008Tales of the co*cktail Spirited Awards.

What goes into a Gin Basil Smash

It’s all in the name – gin – basil – smash. Mix the gin with smashed basil and voilà, you have it. Gin Basil Smash is among the quickest and easiest drinks to make at home.

• Gin: This is the base spirit – it’s in the name. Your co*cktail is only as good as the spirit you put in it, so use the best gin. You can use London Dry Gin or a more botanical gin, such as Hendrick’s, if you prefer the taste.
• Simple syrup: Simple sugar syrup is made with sugar and water and adds sweetness to it.
• Fresh Lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a citrusy freshness to this drink. It also balances out the the sweetness of the drink.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil leaves are known for their sweet and savory flavor. They offer a balance between the two tastes with mint and pepper undertones. When you muddle them for this recipe, you are basically extracting the flavor which adds to this drink.
• Basil sprig: Have on hand a big bunch of basil to grab a few sprigs to garish with.

What tools you need to make Gin Basil Smash

You’ll need aco*cktail shakerfor this one! Grab ajigger, a muddler or wooden spoon, a strainer, a finemesh strainer and a rocks glass for the classic Gin Basil Smash recipe.

Making Gin Basil Smash is super easy as co*cktail recipes go. With a few simple ingredients, you can make this drink effortlessly. Here is what you have to do:

• Step 1: Firstly, add fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil leaves to a co*cktail shaker.
• Step 2: Using a muddler, muddle the leaves to extract maximum flavor from them. This step is essential for getting the right balance of flavors.
• Step 3: Now add ice cubes, pour in the gin, and seal the shaker with a lid.
• Step 4: Shake so that the flavors combine and the drink is chilled.
• Step 5: Then double strain into your ice cube-filled rocks glass or co*cktail glass and garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
• Step 6: Bottom’s up!

• 🍸Top Tip(le): Here are a few ways you can change the recipe and make it more flavorsome:
  • You can skip the simple syrup and use honey or agave syrup for sweetness as well.
  • Add mint for a more refreshing flavor
  • You can also use fresh rosemary for a unique flavor blend.
  • Fresh lime juice gives it a zing
  • Add club soda to make it more of a long drink.

Where to find more Gin co*cktails

Here are a few of my favorites:

• How to Make the Dry Gin Martini
• How to Make the Tanqueray Negroni
• How to Make the Gin Sour
• How to Make the Gin Fizz

Plus more Gin Smash recipes here

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