Gin Basil Smash

A modern recipe for a Gin Basil Smash. Fresh basil, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup create an incredibly aromatic and refreshing drink.

A vibrant green Gin Basil Smash in a tumbler, garnished with a basil sprig.
Strengthmedium
GlassTumbler
BaseGin
GarnishBasil sprig
Prep Time5 mins
CuisineGerman

Description

The Gin Basil Smash is a modern German classic, invented in 2008 by Jörg Meyer in Hamburg, and it has since conquered the world. Its vibrant green color and the intense aroma of fresh basil make it unmistakable. A "smash" is a category of cocktails where herbs are muddled directly in the shaker to release their essential oils to the fullest. The combination of the gin's botanicals, the freshness of the basil, and the sourness of the lemon is perfectly balanced and incredibly invigorating.

Preparation

  1. Fill a tumbler glass with ice cubes and set aside to chill.
  2. Place the basil leaves in the cocktail shaker.
  3. Add lemon juice and simple syrup and gently muddle to extract the basil's aroma.
  4. Add the gin, fill the shaker with ice cubes, and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  5. Double-strain the contents of the shaker (through a Hawthorne strainer and a fine tea strainer) into the chilled glass filled with fresh ice cubes. Double-straining is important to remove small basil bits.
  6. Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.

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