Gin Basil Smash: Shake Up Your Sips with a Basil Brouhaha

Stirring Up Basil Brilliance with a Gin-tastic Smash Hit for Your Cocktail Party

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with our refreshing Gin Basil Smash cocktail recipe. This refreshing concoction combines the crisp essence of gin with the zesty tang of freshly squeezed lemon juice, perfectly balanced by the aromatic infusion of basil leaves. With each sip, you’ll experience a delightful harmony of herbal and citrus notes that tantalize the taste buds and awaken the senses.

Whether lounging on a sunny patio or hosting a sophisticated soirée, this cocktail will surely elevate any occasion with its bright and botanical allure. Prepare to be whisked away on a flavor journey with our tantalizing Gin Basil Smash recipe.

Here’s a Gin Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz (60 ml) gin
• 1 oz (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 oz (22.5 ml) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes
• Basil leaves or a lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Start by chilling your serving glass. You can do this by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes or filling it with ice water while you prepare the drink.
2. In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh basil leaves.
3. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the basil leaves in the shaker. This helps release the basil’s oils and flavor.
4. Add the gin, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
5. Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Make sure to use enough ice to fill the shaker about halfway.
6. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill the drink and properly mix all the ingredients.
7. Discard the ice from the chilled serving glass.
8. Strain the shaker contents into the chilled glass. If you prefer a smoother texture without small bits of basil, you can use a fine mesh strainer.
9. Garnish your Gin Basil Smash with a fresh basil leaf.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Gin Basil Smash!

Note: Feel free to adjust the amount of simple syrup according to your taste preference. You can also experiment with different types of gin to find the flavor profile you enjoy the most. Cheers!

Here’s the recipe for a mocktail version:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh lemonade
• 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water)
• 8-10 fresh basil leaves
• Ice cubes
• Basil leaves or a lemon wheel for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a cocktail shaker or mixing glass, add the fresh basil leaves.
2. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently muddle the basil leaves in the shaker, releasing their flavor.
3. Add the fresh lemonade and simple syrup to the shaker.
4. Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
5. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake gently to mix the ingredients and chill the mocktail.
6. Discard the ice from a chilled serving glass.
7. Strain the mocktail mixture into the chilled glass.
8. Garnish your Basil Mock Smash with a fresh basil leaf.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing mocktail version of the Basil Smash!

This mocktail version maintains the refreshing and herbal qualities of the original cocktail while omitting the alcohol. Perfect for those looking for a flavorful, non-alcoholic option!

Did you know?

One interesting fact about the Basil Smash cocktail is its origin. The Basil Smash was created by Jörg Meyer, a bartender based in Hamburg, Germany. He first introduced the cocktail in 2008 at his bar, Le Lion – Bar de Paris. 

A little history:

Jörg Meyer is credited with inventing the Basil Smash when the craft cocktail movement was gaining momentum globally.

Inspired by his passion for using fresh, seasonal ingredients in cocktails, Meyer sought to create a drink that showcased basil’s aromatic and flavorful qualities. From classic cocktail principles, Meyer combined gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh basil to craft a refreshing and herbaceous concoction.

The Basil Smash quickly garnered attention within the cocktail community for its innovative flavor profile and elegant simplicity. Its popularity spread rapidly, both among Le Lion patrons and within the broader bartending world. Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts embraced the Basil Smash for its balance of tartness, sweetness, and herbal notes, making it a beloved modern classic.

As word of the Basil Smash spread, variations of the cocktail emerged, with bartenders experimenting with different spirits, herbs, and flavorings to put their unique spin on the recipe. Despite its relatively recent creation, the Basil Smash has earned its place as a staple on cocktail menus around the globe, continuing to delight drinkers with its vibrant flavors and timeless appeal.