Add an herbal twist with this Gin Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe. This smooth and refreshing drink is made with fresh herbs for the perfect summer cocktail.

Two small cocktail glasses of gin basil smash garnished with fresh basil and lemon.

The first time I made gin basil smashes last year, I was blown away by the amazing flavor. This year, I grew my own whole basil plant so I can make this refreshing cocktail anytime I like. The peppery basil adds such amazing flavor, but you could try it with different herbs too!

If you love this recipe, try our other summer cocktails: Blackberry Mojito Cocktail and Grapefruit Paloma Cocktail.

What you’ll love about this recipe:

Simple Ingredients – This gin cocktail is made with simple ingredients.
Refreshing – The combination of complex flavors from fresh basil and lemon juice is a winning combination.
Quick to Make – This gin basil cocktail is easy to make and comes together in just a few minutes.

Ingredients you’ll need

The ingredients for gin basil smash on a wooden table.

Gin. I used Bombay Sapphire dry gin. If you want a stronger lemon flavor, use lemon gin.
Fresh basil leaves. Clap them together before muddling to release more flavor.
Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice will give you the best flavor. You can also use lime juice for a different flavor.
Simple syrup. Add more sugar syrup if you want it sweeter.
Soda water. This adds a bit of fizz. You could also use club soda.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

How to make a gin basil smash

Fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.

Step 1: Place basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently to release their flavor.

The simple syrup being added to the cocktail shaker with the lemon juice and gin.

Step 2: Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the cocktail shaker.

A hand shaking the cocktail shaker until cold.

Step 3: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker, cover with a lid, and shake vigorously for 15-30 seconds.

Soda water being added to the glass to add some fizz.

Step 4: Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass or rocks glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and garnish with lemon and a sprig of basil.

Expert Tips

Before adding basil leaves to the shaker, give them a gentle slap between your hands to release their fresh basil flavor.
Muddle the basil gently. Use a light hand so you don’t damage the leaves.
If you have time, make your own simple syrup using equal parts white sugar and water. Add some lemon zest or basil to infuse more flavor.
Use fresh ice made from filtered water for the best flavor.

A small cocktail glass of gin cocktail garnished with basil and lemon.

FAQs about gin basil smash

I recommend only using fresh basil. Dried basil won’t give you the same flavor.

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid instead.

To make the gin basil smash non-alcoholic, use extra soda water or club soda instead of the gin.

Two cocktail glasses of gin basil smash garnished with a fresh basil sprig and lemon wheel.

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