Simple Gin Basil Smash Recipe To Make Over This Weekend
The gin basil smash cocktail belongs to the category of herb-forward drinks, known for their bright character and style. It combines the classic botanical depth of gin with pantry ingredients, offering a balance. The basil variation introduces a distinctive herbal dimension, setting this cocktail apart from standard herbal or gin-based drinks.
Fresh basil leaves provide a lift, infusing the cocktail with subtle sweetness, grassy notes, and a complex fragrance that improves flavour. Basil interacts seamlessly with the juniper, floral, and citrus notes of gin, allowing each sip to deliver multiple layers.
The key to a successful gin basil smash is precise preparation and ingredient quality. Get to know how to make the drink at home!
How To Make A Gin Basil Smash Cocktail?
Ingredients (serves 1)
- 12 fresh basil leaves
- 30 ml Tanqueray No. Ten (or any other gin of choice)
- 11 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 5 ml rich sugar syrup
Method
- Muddle basil sprigs in the base of a shaker; leaves may remain attached to stems.
- Add gin, lemon juice, and sugar syrup.
- Shake with ice to chill, integrate flavours, and achieve slight dilution.
- Fine strain into the pre-chilled old-fashioned glass to ensure clarity and smooth texture.
5 Tips To Make Gin Basil Smash Recipe At Home
- Always select fresh, vibrant basil leaves to maximise aroma and flavour. Avoid wilted or bruised leaves as they can introduce bitterness and diminish the herbal lift that defines this cocktail.
- Muddle gently to release essential oils without tearing leaves excessively. Over-muddling can produce bitter notes and overpower the subtle botanical characteristics of gin.
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for optimal acidity and brightness. Bottled juice may alter the balance and reduce clarity, affecting the overall crispness of the cocktail.
- Pre-chill your old-fashioned glass and use chilled ingredients to maintain temperature, ensuring that the cocktail remains balanced from first sip to last.
- Adjust sugar syrup to taste, ensuring it complements citrus without masking basil. Slight variations in sweetness can drastically change perception, so measure accurately to maintain the cocktail’s crisp profile.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
