Gin Basil Smash
A bright, aromatic gin cocktail combining fresh basil, lemon and cane sugar syrup. Herbal, citrusy and refreshing, with a smooth texture and vivid fresh character.
Gin Basil Smash Recipe
- Dry gin 50 ml
- Lemon juice 25 ml
- Cane sugar syrup 25 ml
- Cocktail foamer 3 dashes
- Fresh basil 10 leaves
- Ice 150 g, optional
Make it properly
- Add the fresh basil leaves, gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup and cocktail foamer to a shaker.
- Gently press the basil with a muddler to release its aroma and colour. Do not pulverise it.
- Shake vigorously without ice for about 10 seconds to begin building the foam.
- Add 150 g ice.
- Shake hard for another 10–12 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Add 100 g fresh ice to a rocks glass.
- Double strain the cocktail over the fresh ice.
- Garnish with a small fresh basil sprig.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD GIN BASIL SMASH?
A good Gin Basil Smash is fresh, aromatic and well balanced. Gin provides the botanical base, lemon brings bright acidity and sugar syrup softens the citrus, while fresh basil gives the cocktail its distinctive herbal character and vibrant freshness.
Shaking the basil with the other ingredients helps release its aroma and flavour. Shake hard with plenty of ice, then strain well for a smooth, refreshing cocktail with a bright herbal finish.
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Gin Basil Smash: RECIPE, INGREDIENTS & TIPS
A practical guide to making a Gin Basil Smash, from choosing the right gin and fresh basil to balancing lemon, sweetness and vibrant herbal character.
THE STORY OF THE GIN BASIL SMASH
The Gin Basil Smash is a modern cocktail created in Hamburg, Germany, by bartender Jörg Meyer in 2008. Built around gin, fresh basil, lemon juice and sugar syrup, it quickly became known for its distinctive green colour and fresh herbal character.
Its appeal comes from a simple balance: gin provides the botanical base, lemon brings bright acidity, sugar softens the citrus and fresh basil gives the cocktail its unmistakable aroma, flavour and colour.
THE BEST INGREDIENTS FOR A GIN BASIL SMASH
Choose a clean London Dry Gin or another juniper-led gin with enough citrus character to work naturally with fresh basil.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Its bright acidity keeps the drink fresh and gives structure to the herbal sweetness.
A simple cane sugar syrup balances the lemon without competing with the basil.
Use fresh, aromatic basil leaves. Avoid bruised or wilted basil, because the herb is the defining flavour of the cocktail.
For the foam, we use Fee Brothers Fee Foam. Use 3 dashes per cocktail for a smooth texture and light foamy finish.
HOW TO MAKE A FRESH GIN BASIL SMASH
Use fresh basil and press it gently rather than grinding it aggressively.
The goal is to release the herb's oils, aroma and colour without extracting too much bitterness from the leaves and stems.
Add 3 dashes of Fee Brothers Fee Foam, then shake first without ice for around 10 seconds.
Add ice and shake again for 10–12 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
Double straining is especially important here because it removes small pieces of basil and gives the finished drink a cleaner texture.
Questions about the Gin Basil Smash
What gin is best for a Gin Basil Smash?
A classic London Dry Gin works particularly well because its botanical and juniper character stands up to fresh basil and lemon. Drinkero recommends Tanqueray London Dry Gin.
What type of basil should I use?
Use fresh sweet basil, the common green basil widely available in supermarkets. Choose fresh, aromatic leaves without significant wilting or discolouration.
Should you muddle the basil?
Yes. Gently muddling the basil helps release its aroma, flavour and green colour. You don't need to pulverise the leaves; press them sufficiently to release their character before shaking.
Do I need cocktail foamer?
No. A Gin Basil Smash can be made without foamer. Drinkero lists Cocktail Fee Foamer as optional for customers who prefer a smoother texture and more pronounced foam.
Why should I double strain a Gin Basil Smash?
Double straining means pouring through the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer. It catches small pieces of basil and ice, producing a cleaner, smoother finished cocktail.
Can I make Gin Basil Smashes for a group?
Yes. The gin, lemon juice and cane sugar syrup can be measured in advance, but muddle the fresh basil and shake the cocktails close to serving. Drinkero calculates the quantities you need for 6, 12, 24 or 48 Gin Basil Smashes.
Is the Gin Basil Smash an official IBA cocktail?
Yes. The Gin Basil Smash is included in the International Bartenders Association’s official cocktail list as a New Era cocktail. See the IBA’s official Gin Basil Smash recipe for the classic specification.
