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Give the classic Gin Basil Smash cocktail a summery upgrade with the addition of fresh blackberries! This stunning cocktail is vibrant, refreshing, and herbaceous.
While earning my Culinary Food Science degree, I was required to take a wine and spirits course. Since then, I’ve been developing cocktail recipes for print and digital publications including Taste of Home, Better Homes and Gardens, Diabetic Living Magazine and more.
And out of the hundreds of cocktails I’ve developed, the Gin Basil Smash is still one I come back to time and time again. For starters, the base is just so good. It’s herbaceous, not too sweet, and perfectly tart.
And secondly, it’s very versatile. This version in particular utilizes blackberries and it’s a great example of how you can play around with the gin basil cocktail.
If you’re looking for the classic GBS cocktail, scroll all the way down to the bottom of this article. You’ll find it there! Otherwise, keep on reading for this modern take on the classic.
Ingredients Needed for Basil Gin Cocktail
Here is a quick rundown of what you’ll need for the recipe. For ingredient amounts, jump down to the recipe card.
- Gin: use any gin you like. I like a london dry gin here.
- Honey: for a bit of sweetness. Simple syrup can also be used.
- Lemon Juice: fresh is best!
- Blackberries: ripe juicy blackberries will add color, flavor and sweetness.
- Basil: use large basil leaves for the most flavor.
How to Make This Gin Basil Smash Cocktail
This is an overview of the recipe, with step-by-step photos to guarantee success. Find the full recipe in the recipe card.
1. Muddle the blackberries and honey together until jammy.
2. Add the basil and muddle until fragrant.
3. Add the gin and the lemon juice.
4. Secure the lid and vigorously shake until the cocktail is thoroughly chilled.
5. Strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer and pour over ice into Collins glasses or rocks glasses.
Variations on the Basil Smash Cocktail
Aside from the recipe I’m sharing today, feel free to put your own spin on this refreshing cocktail! Switch up one or two (or all!) components of the drink with these ideas:
- Herbs: thyme, rosemary, mint, tarragon
- Liquor: vodka, tequila
- Citrus: lime, grapefruit
- Simple syrup: honey, maple syrup, agave
More Zestful Kitchen Cocktails
Make sure to tag me @ZESTFULKITCHEN ON INSTAGRAM or comment below if you make this Blackberry Gin Basil Smash!
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Blackberry Gin Basil Smash
Description
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Ingredients
- 8 blackberries
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 8 large basil leaves
- 4 ounces gin
- 2 ounces fresh lemon juice
- Ice
- Chilled club soda
- Blackberries and basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add blackberries and honey to a cocktail shaker and muddle until jammy. Add basil and lightly muddle until fragrant.
- Add gin and lemon juice, fill shaker with ice, secure lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top off with a splash of club soda.
- Garnish with blackberries and basil leaves.
Nutrition
The Classic Gin Basil Cocktail
Refreshing and herbaceous, the Gin Basil Smash is the ideal summer cocktail. If you want to keep things classic, try the original recipe from Jörg Meyer.
He uses a lot of basil—which I love. But for some it can be a bit much. Try it first with 6 basil leaves, then add or subtract in your next round of cocktails depending on your preference. Here’s the classic gin basil smash recipe:
- 12 basil leaves
- 2 ounces gin
- ¾ ounces fresh lemon juice
- ⅓–¾ ounces simple syrup—depends on how sweet you like your drinks
This recipe article was originally published on 6/23/2017.
This drink looks and sounds amazing! I love gin and berries so pretty sure this would be my kind of drink!
Thanks Shannon! It’s perfect for summer! 🙂
Solid recipe!! Love basil mixed with all the berries in a beverage. As always…I tweak a recipe to my preference. Made this tonight and as yummy as it was…just 1 oz of lemon juice was sufficient.