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!
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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!
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!
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Recipe Card
Gin Basil Smash
Special Equipment
Ingredients
Basil Simple Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
Gin Basil Smash
- 4 basil leaves
- 2 ounces botanical gin
- 1 ½ ounces basil simple syrup, more or less to taste
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 2 ounces ginger beer, substitute club soda or sparkling water
Garnish
- crushed ice
- lime slices
- basil leaves
Instructions
Simple Syrup
- 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!
Gin Basil Smash
- Add the fresh basil to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently crush the basil to release the oils.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice. Then pour in the gin, lime juice, and basil simple syrup.
- Then gently shake until combined and chilled.
- Strain into a glass over ice and then top with ginger beer.
- Garnish with fresh basil and lime slices and enjoy!!
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
TARA says
simple syrup is delicious! a great easy drink