Gin Basil Smash
The Gin Basil Smash is a strong gin sour, herbal and tart on the palate. Shaken and served in a rocks glass.
- 3 min
- Rocks glass
- Shaken
Flavor profile
- Tart
- 60 out of 100
- Sweet
- 60 out of 100
- Bitter
- 23 out of 100
- Herbal
- 68 out of 100
- Boozy
- 62 out of 100
How to make a Gin Basil Smash
To make a Gin Basil Smash, shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass: 2 oz gin, ⅔ oz lemon juice, ⅔ oz simple syrup and 1 basil.
You'll need
- Gin2 oz
- Lemon Juice⅔ oz
- Simple syrup⅔ oz
- Basil1
Pairs well with: Simple syrup · All syrups
Instructions
- 1
Add basil and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker and press gently with a muddler or the end of a wooden spoon to release the oils and juice.
- 2
Add gin and lemon juice to the shaker.
- 3
Fill the shaker with ice.
- 4
Shake hard for 10-15 seconds, until the outside is frosty.
- 5
Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice cubes.
Why shake? Lemon juice needs a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
Gin Basil Smash questions
What does a Gin Basil Smash taste like?
Mostly herbal and tart, with a noticeable alcohol warmth. It's a strong drink at about 19% ABV once mixed.
How strong is a Gin Basil Smash?
About 19% ABV after mixing with ice, stronger than wine, lighter than a neat spirit.
What's the difference between a Gin Basil Smash and a Gin Sour?
Both use gin, lemon juice and simple syrup. The Gin Basil Smash adds basil. Both are shaken, but the Gin Basil Smash goes in a rocks glass and the Gin Sour in a sour glass.
Should a Gin Basil Smash be shaken or stirred?
Shaken: lemon juice and simple syrup need a hard shake to mix and chill properly.
Can I make Gin Basil Smashes in a batch?
Yes. For 6 drinks, mix 12 oz gin, 4¼ oz lemon juice and 4¼ oz simple syrup, plus muddled basil in a jug and chill it. Add 4¼ oz of cold water to stand in for the dilution from shaking. Pour over fresh ice to serve.
What glass do you serve a Gin Basil Smash in?
A rocks or highball glass.