This gin basil smash is a super light, refreshing cocktail that's perfect for sipping all summer long! With botanical gin, basil simple syrup, and tart lime juice, it'll be sure to please any cocktail lover!

gin basil smash cocktail with fresh basil.

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What is a Smash Cocktail?
Ingredient Notes
How to Make Basil Simple Syrup
How to Make a Gin Smash
Cocktail Serving Tips
More Cocktail Recipes!
Recipe Card
Comments

What is a Smash Cocktail?

Sometimes naming and categorizing cocktails is super straightforward, and other times it's just not. For this delightful gin basil cocktail, I was torn between calling it a gin basil smash or a basil gimlet.

A smash is a simple, variable cocktail that doesn't have a super set definition.

Typically a smash cocktail includes some type of liquor, fresh fruit, and sugar served over crushed ice. Often a smash cocktail is also topped with soda or ginger beer. The options are endless!

Whereas a gimlet cocktail is made with gin and lime juice. So is this a basil gimlet? I think so? But I also decided to top it with ginger beer so gimlet didn't feel quite right.

Thus I went with gin basil smash. But feel free to correct me in the comments!

No matter what you call it, this gin basil cocktail is absolutely delicious!!

Ingredient Notes

You just need 5 simple ingredients to make this super refreshing basil cocktail!

labeled shot of ingredients for gin basil smash.

Gin - I recommend using a light, botanical gin to pair with the fresh basil flavor! However, this cocktail would also be delicious with vodka if you prefer.

Sweet Basil - Sweet basil (also known as Genovese basil) is the most common type of basil you're likely to find! I've been growing mine at home using my Aerogarden and I highly recommend it!

Lime Juice - Fresh lime juice has the best flavor, but you can use bottled if that's all you have.

Ginger Beer - The slightly spicy flavor of ginger beer is the perfect compliment to a botanical gin! I love Trader Joe's ginger beer, but just use your favorite brand. You could also use club soda or sparkling water instead! [Or just leave it out for a basil gimlet!]

Simple Syrup - You can add as little or as much simple syrup as you like!

Crushed Ice - If your fridge doesn't make crushed ice or you don't have a fancy pebble ice maker, did you know you can buy bags of ice at fast food restaurants like Sonic! For just $2.50 you can get a huge bag of perfect pebble ice!

The complete list of ingredients and amounts is located in the recipe card below.

How to Make Basil Simple Syrup

I always make my own simple syrup for cocktails because it's so easy and paying for it seems silly to me! You can also add in different herbs or fruit for a delightfully flavored simple syrup.

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
½ cup fresh basil leaves

Add the sugar, water, and fresh basil to a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.
Let cool completely to room temperature, then strain into a glass jar and seal tightly with a lid.
Store in the fridge for up to a month!

How to Make a Gin Smash

Add the fresh basil to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently crush the basil to release the oils.

Then pour in the gin, lime juice, and basil simple syrup and gently shake until combined.

Strain into a glass over ice and then top with ginger beer.

Garnish with fresh basil and lime slices and enjoy!!

Cocktail Serving Tips

For this gin basil smash you just need a cocktail shaker and a muddler!

Garnish with fresh basil and lime slices.

It's worth noting that crushed ice melts pretty quickly, so if you're a slow drinker you'll want to opt for a large block of ice!

More Cocktail Recipes!

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