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Gin Basil Smash Recipe

Gin Basil Smash Recipe

By What’s Baking

A vibrant, herbaceous cocktail that marries the botanical complexity of gin with the bright, aromatic punch of fresh basil and zesty lemon.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
Serves:
1 cocktail
A crystal-clear rocks glass capturing the distinctive emerald-green hue of the Gin Basil Smash, backlit by soft window light that illuminates the fine basil particles suspended throughout the cocktail. Crushed ice creates a frosty exterior while fresh basil leaves rest atop the drink alongside a twisted lemon peel. Tiny beads of condensation form on the exterior of the glass, suggesting refreshing coldness, while the subtle gradient from pale yellow at the bottom to deeper green near the top showcases the proper muddling technique. A dramatic overhead shot reveals the drink's vivid color against a dark wooden bar surface.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml gin (preferably London Dry style)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml fresh lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">20ml simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">8-10 fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Lemon twist for garnish</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Cocktail shaker with strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Muddler</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Jigger for measuring</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Fine mesh strainer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Old-fashioned/rocks glass</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Place 8-10 fresh basil leaves in your cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the leaves until they release their aromatic oils and turn slightly darker green. Press firmly but avoid shredding the leaves completely - you're looking to release the essential oils, not pulverize the herb.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add 20ml of simple syrup and 20ml of fresh lemon juice to the shaker with the muddled basil. The acidity of the lemon will help preserve the vibrant green color from the basil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Pour 60ml of gin into the shaker. London Dry styles work particularly well in this cocktail as their botanical profile complements the fresh basil without overwhelming it.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Fill your shaker ⅔ full with ice cubes. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds. The cocktail should feel properly chilled through the shaker, and the outside should develop a frosty condensation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Fill your rocks glass with fresh ice cubes (or one large ice cube if available). Double-strain the cocktail through both the cocktail strainer and a fine mesh strainer into the prepared glass. This double-straining technique captures tiny basil particles while allowing the essential oils to pass through, resulting in a cleaner presentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Garnish with a fresh basil sprig and a lemon twist. To create the twist, cut a strip of lemon peel, express the oils over the drink by twisting it, then run the peel around the rim of the glass before adding it to the cocktail.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Give the cocktail a gentle stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well integrated. The drink should appear bright green with tiny flecks of basil, indicating proper muddling technique and thorough extraction of the herb's flavors.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 cocktail
🔥 Calories: 165 calories
🥑 Fat: 0 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 6 g
🍭 Sugar: 5 g
🍗 Protein: 0 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 1 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the best gin to use for a basil-infused cocktail?

London Dry gins work best for basil cocktails as their botanical profiles complement fresh herbs without overwhelming them. Brands like Tanqueray, Beefeater or Bombay Sapphire offer clean, juniper-forward flavours that pair beautifully with basil's aromatic compounds.

Why should I double-strain an herb-muddled cocktail?

Double-straining (using both a cocktail strainer and fine mesh strainer) removes tiny herb particles while allowing essential oils to pass through. This technique creates a cleaner presentation without sacrificing flavour, resulting in a silky-smooth texture with vibrant aromatics.

Can I prepare a basil-infused gin in advance for multiple cocktails?

Yes! Create a basil-infused gin by adding 15-20 basil leaves to 500ml of gin and letting it steep for 24 hours before straining. This infusion streamlines cocktail preparation while maintaining the herb's bright flavour. Just reduce the muddling step when using pre-infused spirits.

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