Gin Basil Smash: A Herbaceous Delight

IBA Cocktail

Looking for a drink that’s both refreshing and flavourful? Then you've got to try the Gin Basil Smash. This vibrant green cocktail is a modern classic, known for its fragrant basil and zesty citrus notes. It's the perfect drink for a sunny afternoon or a warm summer evening.

Gin Basil Smash: A Herbaceous Delight

This cocktail is a vibrant mix of fresh, herbaceous, and citrusy flavours. The Gin provides a botanical base, while the fresh Basil adds a fragrant, peppery note. Then comes the fresh Lemon Juice, which brightens everything up with its zesty acidity. A touch of Simple Syrup balances the tartness, creating a harmonious and refreshing drink.

It's not too sweet, nor too sour-just a great, well-rounded mix with a really nice herbal kick to it. Of course, the style of Gin one is using can impact the flavor profile: the London Dry Gin gives that nice crisp juniper backbone where a more citrus-forward gin really pulls on that citrus in the lemon.

It's usually served in a rocks glass full of crushed ice. Think bright green liquid, muddled basil leaves, and maybe a lemon wedge for garnish. Classy, yet never stuffy, this cocktail is great as an aperitif and for casual get-togethers with friends.

You can have a couple of them since it is a pretty light and refreshing drink. It is also ideal for those who like herbal and citrusy flavors. It was created in recent years, becoming very popular in bars worldwide.

It was created in recent years and gained much popularity in bars worldwide, turning it into a modern classic.

A fragrant and easy-to-drink cocktail perfect for warm weather.

Did you know that Gin Basil Smash...

...is sometimes called a 'Kintsugi' cocktail due to its vibrant green color, referencing the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, highlighting the beauty of imperfection?

Who invented this cocktail

The Gin Basil Smash was created by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar in Hamburg, Germany, in the early 2000s.

The origin and history of "Gin Basil Smash"

The Gin Basil Smash is a relatively new cocktail, having been invented in the early 2000s. Jörg Meyer, a renowned bartender at Le Lion Bar in Hamburg, Germany, is credited with its creation. He sought to create a refreshing and flavorful drink that showcased fresh basil.

The drink quickly gained popularity in Germany and spread to other parts of the world, becoming a staple in many cocktail bars. Its simple yet elegant combination of ingredients and its vibrant green colour have contributed to its widespread appeal. It became a modern classic in the world of mixology.

Get Our Free Cocktail App

Start making cocktails at home within minutes!

download mishela app from android
download mishela app from ios

Bartender Tips for making the perfect "Gin Basil Smash"

To make the perfect Gin Basil Smash, try these tips:
  • Use fresh basil. Dried basil simply won't do.
  • Muddle the basil gently. You want to release the aromas, not crush the leaves into a pulp.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Bottled juice can taste artificial.
  • Adjust the amount of simple syrup to your taste. Some prefer it sweeter, others more tart.
  • Use crushed ice for a refreshing and frosty drink.

Gin Basil Smash recipe

Prep: 4 minTotal: 6 min

Ingredients

  • 60 ml DRY GIN
  • 22.5 ml FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • 10 ml SUGAR SYRUP
  • 10/12 leaves BASIL
  • 2 oz DRY GIN
  • ¾ oz FRESH LEMON JUICE
  • ⅓ oz SUGAR SYRUP
  • 10/12 leaves BASIL

Garnish

  • BASIL SPRIG

Preparation

  1. Muddle the Basil in your cocktail shaker
  2. Add the remaining ingredients
  3. Shake well with ice
  4. Fine strain into the glass filled with ice
  5. Garnish and serve

Nutritional Info

  • Calories:169 kcal
  • Alcohol units:2.4 units
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume)~26%

Dietary Info

VeganVegetarianGluten-freeDairy-free
Country of origin: Germany

"Gin Basil Smash" Variations

  • Basil Smash with Vodka: Substitute Gin with Vodka for a neutral spirit base.
  • Strawberry Basil Smash: Muddle fresh strawberries along with the basil for a fruity twist.
  • Spicy Basil Smash: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

This cocktail is a modern classic for a reason. Its fresh, herbaceous, and citrusy flavours make it a delightful and refreshing drink. If you're looking for something new and exciting, give the Gin Basil Smash a try.

Leave a comment

All comments are moderated before appearing on the site and will be reviewed within 24 hours.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Current Comments: 2

Olivia P.
Nov 13, 2024
A fresh and aromatic drink, perfect for spring evenings.
Ethan S.
Sep 9, 2024
Refreshing and herbaceous, the basil really stands out.