Calories:215
Fat:0g
Protein:0.2g
Carbohydrates:14g
Alcohol %:22
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: January 7, 2024
The Basil Smash cocktail, also known as Gin Basil Smash, was created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany. This modern classic quickly gained popularity and became a staple in bars around the world. The cocktail is a perfect balance of herbal, citrus, and sweet flavors, making it a favorite among gin lovers and those who appreciate fresh ingredients.
The Basil Smash is a refreshing, herbaceous, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the lemon juice. The gin adds a layer of complexity with its botanical flavors, while the simple syrup balances the acidity of the lemon.
A few good options for Basil Smash are:
Used as the base spirit, gin's botanical flavors are the soul of the Smash. Typically, 2 oz is just the right amount for the right kick without overpowering the basil and lemon. Too little, and the drink might seem like a mere lemonade; too much, and you're on a fast train to Drunktown!
They're not called ‘smash’ for nothing! The basil is muddled to release essential oils, giving the cocktail its signature herbaceous character. The quantity here is key: too few, and you'd miss the 'Basil' in 'Basil Smash'; too many, and your drink turns into a salad.
The zesty lemon juice brightens up the cocktail and balances the sweetness of the syrup and the earthiness of the basil. A full ounce provides the necessary tang, but beware: more might make you pucker up excessively, less and the gin could become too assertive.
Sweetness to counterbalance the acidity from the lemon, simple syrup is the peacemaker in this flavorful clash. Three-quarters of an ounce ensures harmony, but overdo it and you're licking a sugar cube; skimp and the lemon might just get the upper hand.
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The basic composition of simple syrup is relatively straightforward – a 1:1 ratio of sugar and water. This mixture is heated until the sugar dissolves, resulting in a clear, sweet syrup.
Learn everything about simple syrupAdd your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingIf you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
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A good-quality, botanical gin works best for a Basil Smash. Brands such as Beefeater, Tanqueray, or Hendrick's are good choices.
Use a muddler and press the basil leaves gently against the shaker. The goal is to release the oils from the basil leaves into the cocktail, not to crush them into pieces.
For best results, use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice may contain preservatives and additives which could alter the flavor of your cocktail.
Yes, you can multiply the recipe and make it in a large punch bowl or pitcher. However, it would be best to add the basil and do the muddling shortly before serving to ensure freshness.
The Caprese Bloody Mary is a savory, tangy, and slightly spicy cocktail. It has the freshness of tomatoes, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the earthiness of basil. The vodka gives it a strong kick, while the Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco add a complex depth of flavor.
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The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
The Whiskey Sour is a well-balanced cocktail with a tangy, sour taste from the lemon juice, a subtle sweetness from the simple syrup, and a rich, warming sensation from the whiskey. The egg white adds a smooth, creamy texture.
The Gimlet cocktail has a bright, tangy, and slightly sweet taste. The combination of gin and lime juice creates a refreshing and crisp flavor, while the simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity. The overall taste is clean, sharp, and invigorating.
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
The Negroni is a well-balanced cocktail with a bitter, sweet, and herbal taste. It has a strong, bold flavor with a hint of citrus and a smooth, velvety finish.
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