Gin Basil Smash (With Fresh Herbs!)

Ingredients in a Gin Basil Smash

The Gin Basil Smash is a cocktail made with gin, basil, and fresh lemon juice, a riff on the Whiskey Smash. First published as a recipe in 1887, the classic smash pairs lemon, mint, sugar, and crushed ice as a refreshing summer cocktail.

This gin variation was invented in 2008 by a man named Jörg Meyer, owner of the German bar Le Lion, who posted the recipe on his website. It somehow became an international success and is now made around the world! The first time I tried it, I realized why: it’s so refreshing and herbaceous, I didn’t want the glass to end! Here’s what you need to make a Gin Basil Smash:

• Gin: Mid-range gins ($25-40) typically offer the best balance of botanical complexity without overwhelming the basil. My personal favorite is the original Malfy Gin, which has a clean juniper profile that plays well with herbs.
• Basil leaves: Sweet basil (the kind most commonly grown in home gardens) works the best, but you could also try Thai basil for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon juice: Always, always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice will give you a flat, artificial-tasting cocktail.
• Simple syrup: I make my own simple syrup because it’s incredibly easy!

Mastering the muddling technique

The best time to make a Gin Basil Smash is the summer, when you have a big pot of bright green basil. You’ll need 8 to 10 basil leaves per drink, so it’s more economical to go the home-grown route. The cocktail skill I use to extract that delicious, peppery flavor is called muddling. Muddling is gently mashing herbs to release their juices, which helps the flavors incorporate into drinks.

When it comes to herbs, you’ll want to have a gentle touch when muddling. Here’s how to muddle herbs, including basil:

• Place the basil leaves in the bottom of your cocktail shaker
• Using a wooden muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press and twist the leaves 3-4 times
• You should see some liquid release and smell that intense basil aroma
• Stop there – over-muddling will make your cocktail bitter

Best gin to use

Any type of gin works for a Gin Basil Smash! Try to find a mid-priced bottle, since price is usually indicative of quality when it comes to spirits. Here are a few tips for buying gin:

• Every brand is different. There’s a wide range of botanical flavors in different brands of gin. Experiment to find your favorite!
• Malfy Gin is a good option. It has a nice balance of flavors.
• Steer clear of Tanqueray gin. In my opinion, it’s a little too floral.