This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
A gin basil smash is a refreshing summer cocktail made with just 4 simple ingredients! This gin-infused cocktail is perfect for summer and includes fresh basil, lime juice, simple syrup, and gin. This is a refreshing garden cocktail.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItIf you love garden cocktails made with fresh herbs, this drink is for you! You will love how easy this cocktail is to make. Its fresh basil flavor is perfect for serving in spring and summer and is a great way to use all my fresh basil!
Basil Smash vs. Gimlet
The Basil Smash is herbal and citrusy with fresh basil and lemon, served over ice. The Gimlet is crisp and classic with gin and lime, served up.
Gin Basil Smash Ingredients
Basil – Use fresh basil to make this drink. You can find this at any grocery store or grow it yourself if you have an herb garden! Save extra basil to garnish the cocktail.
Gin – You can use a gin of your choosing. We recommend using gin with citrus notes to bring out the lime juice and basil flavors.
Lime Juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for this gin basil smash. You can also use fresh lemon juice for this recipe.
Simple Syrup – Simple syrup balances out the gin and lime juice in this cocktail. It’s very easy to make, as it’s just equal parts sugar and water simmered.
Follow my simple syrup guide for more details.
Recipe Variations
You can play around with this gin basil smash recipe to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add some cucumber for a refreshing twist.
- Swap gin for vodka or rum.
- Use honey simple syrup instead of simple syrup.
- Use Empress purple gin to give it a fun color twist.
- Add a little club soda if the drink is too strong.
- Muddle fresh strawberries with the basil for a strawberry basil gin smash.
More Gin Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
If you love gin cocktails, check out these recipes:
- Hibiscus Gin Sour
- Frozen Gin and Tonic
- Tom Collins
- Cucumber Gimlet
- Rose Water Gin Cocktail
- How to Make a Gin and Tonic
Let me know if you make this gin basil smash cocktail by leaving a comment and review below!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious recipes, cocktails, desserts, and parties!
My new Entertaining book is here! Order Now!
Basil Gin Smash Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces gin
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup
- 8 leaves basil , fresh
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the basil and lime juice.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and ice.
- Shake for 20 seconds.
- Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and fresh basil.
Notes
Shaking a Cocktail
Shaking a gin basil smash is easy! Pour the ingredients into a shaker. Add ice, close the shaker, and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds.How to Muddle Basil
Muddling is a technique used to mash and mix ingredients together. It helps release the flavors and aromas of herbs, fruits, spices, and more. A muddler is a tool used to help mash and mix the ingredients together. It’s similar to a pestle and mortar but has a longer handle, flat end, and lighter in texture. Muddling the basil is an important step in this gin basil smash recipe. Place a few fresh basil leaves into your cocktail shaker to muddle. Use a muddler to press and twist the basil leaves to release their flavor and oils. You can do this with lime juice if you need a little liquid to muddle. Once you have released the flavors, you can add the rest of the ingredients. It’s important to shake for 20 seconds so the water can dilute and mix the ingredients, creating a well-balanced cocktail.Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
