Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill an Old Fashioned glass in the freezer
In a Boston shaker, combine fresh basil leaves with lemon juice
Muddle the basil vigorously to break down leaves and release oils and chlorophyll
Add gin and rich simple syrup to the shaker
Fill shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until well-chilled
Double strain through Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainers into chilled glass over fresh ice
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig, gently slapped to release aroma
Glassware
Served over ice in a chilled Old Fashioned glass
Garnish
Fresh sprig, gently slapped between palms to release oils
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use a large handful of fresh basil leaves and stems—don't skimp
Muddle vigorously until basil breaks down completely for full color extraction
Double straining is essential to remove basil particles
Fresh lemon juice only—bottled won't provide proper brightness
Serve immediately for peak basil aromatics
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Gin Basil Smash.
Other Variations
The Meyer (Strong)
Jörg Meyer's preferred 2.5 oz gin version for more spirit-forward intensity.
Changes
Blueberry Basil Smash
Adds muddled blueberries for fruity sweetness and beautiful purple color.
Changes
Raspberry Basil Smash
Muddled raspberries add tart fruitiness and complement the basil beautifully.
Changes
Gin Basil Highball
Longer, more refreshing version topped with sparkling water.
Changes
Vodka Basil Smash
Cleaner, less botanical profile that allows basil to shine even more.
Changes
Rosemary Basil Smash
Adding rosemary creates piney, woody aromatics that pair with gin's juniper.
Changes
History & Heritage
“The Gin Basil Smash was created on July 10, 2008, by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion • Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany. Inspired by Whiskey Smashes from his New York trip, Meyer replaced mint with fresh basil, creating a vibrantly green cocktail that launched the modern craft cocktail movement's embrace of savory herbs. Originally called "Gin Pesto," the drink spread globally through Meyer's blog and social media, becoming an international sensation and earning July 10th as its official celebration day.”
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Basil Gimlet
A modern classic that elevates the traditional Gimlet with fresh basil—herbaceous, aromatic, and supremely refreshing with botanical complexity.
Bourbon Basil Smash
A modern classic that brilliantly marries American whiskey tradition with vibrant, herbaceous character. This descendant of the Gin Basil Smash swaps botanical gin for bourbon's rich vanilla and caramel, creating a refreshing yet complex cocktail.
Bramble
Dick Bradsell's 1980s London creation layers dry gin, fresh citrus and rich blackberry liqueur over a mound of crushed ice for a tart, jammy refresher.