How to Make a Basil Gin Smash at Home

Basil Gin Smash in rocks glass with basil garnish

The Basil Gin Smash is a modern cocktail classic—bright, herbal, and incredibly refreshing. Originally crafted by Berlin bartender Jörg Meyer in 2008, this drink makes the most of fresh basil and good gin. Imagine a cross between a gin sour and a muddled herb garden: simple in structure, bursting with vivid green flavor.

Essential Tools for a Basil Gin Smash

Cocktail shaker (tin or two-piece preferred for thorough muddling)
Fine mesh strainer
Muddler or the blunt end of a wooden spoon
Jigger or small measuring cup
Rocks glass (short tumbler)

While you can improvise some steps, a proper shaker and a fine strainer make a real difference for clarity and mouthfeel in this basil smash gin recipe.

Classic Basil Gin Smash Recipe (Single Serve)

60 ml gin (London dry or crisp, botanical style)
22.5 ml fresh lemon juice
15 ml simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
8–10 fresh basil leaves (large and fragrant)
Ice (for shaking and serving)
Fresh basil sprig (for garnish)

Step-by-Step: How to Build the Perfect Basil Smash

Add all basil leaves to your shaker.
Pour in 15 ml simple syrup and 22.5 ml lemon juice.
Firmly muddle the basil to release essential oils—press gently, do not shred.
Add 60 ml gin and fill the shaker with plenty of cold ice.
Shake hard for 10–12 seconds for maximum basil extraction and chill.
Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
Garnish with a vibrant sprig of basil slapped between your hands to release aroma.

Muddling basil and lemon for basil gin smash

Tips for Flavor and Presentation

Use only very fresh, aromatic basil—older leaves tend bitter or lose punch.
A crisp, juniper-forward gin brings balance; experiment with floral or peppery gins for a twist.
Try a lemon wheel or thin cucumber slice as a visual accent alongside the basil garnish.
For brighter color, muddle gently and shake briefly: over-muddling or lengthy shaking can dull the drink’s green hue.
For a drier profile, reduce the simple syrup to 10 ml and balance to taste.
Always double strain—flecks of basil can overwhelm the look and texture if left unchecked.

Basil Gin Smash with lemon wheel and basil garnish

How to Tweak a Basil Gin Smash to Your Taste

Add 7.5 ml green Chartreuse for extra herbal complexity.
Swap lemon for lime juice, or try a 50/50 citrus blend for a different tartness.
Use honey syrup (2:1 honey to water) in place of simple syrup for a floral layer.
Replace gin with blanco tequila or white rum for a whole new flavor structure, keeping all other ratios.
Mix in a small handful of fresh mint or a slice of jalapeño for aromatics or heat.

With a few tweaks, your basil smash gin recipe remains vibrant but uniquely yours. Fresh basil, bright citrus, and quality gin are the trio that always shines—so adjust with confidence and enjoy the creative process at home.