This Blueberry Gin Cocktail is inspired by the classic gin basil smash cocktail. With fresh blueberries and a splash of floral liqueur, the classic cocktail gets a fun and easy summer upgrade. Not too sweet, not too boozy, this cocktail is crafted and balanced.
Ingredients Needed
- Blueberries: this is a great way to use up an abundance of fresh blueberries or when your blueberries are in their last leg.
- Basil: This is the perfect cocktail to use basil that has seen better days. If you don’t have basil, you can also use mint.
- Sugar: just a dash is needed to sweeten the drink. If you do not plan on using the liqueurs, I recommend using 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Gin: for the best flavor, use a London dry gin. I like to use one that’s floral-forward such as Bloom. But use what you like and have on hand.
- Lemon juice: as always, fresh is a must! Avoid using bottled lemon juice here.
- Optional liqueurs: I like to add a splash of St. Germain and Chambord but you don’t have to. The St. Germaine adds a mild floral flavor while the Chambord enhances the berry flavor.
- Club soda: finish the cocktail off with just a splash of club soda to dilute the flavors a bit and add some bubbles.
How to Make a Blueberry Gin Cocktail
Before you begin, gather a cocktail shaker, muddler, jigger, cocktail strainer, and rocks glass.
Start by muddling the blueberries, basil, sugar and salt until the mixture is juicy and jammy. Add the gin, lemon juice and liqueurs, if using then fill the shaker with ice and shake to chill.
Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice and top with club soda.
Type of Gin to Use
There are several different types of gin. They vary in the flavor, some have strong citrus flavors while others have bolder notes of juniper.
The best part of this blueberry cocktail is that you can use your favorite gin here and usually the less expensive type will work just fine. I prefer to use a London Dry gin which has strong notes of juniper and is known for its bright citrusy flavor.
To round out the blueberry and basil flavors, I also like to opt for a London Dry that has fresh, floral notes. Bloom is my gin of choice here but whatever you like will do!
Variations and Substitutions
- For starters, you can skip the liqueurs (St. Germain and Chambord) altogether. You can also use just one or the other, or both!
- Swap the basil out for mint.
- Use blackberries or raspberries instead of blueberries.
- Swap the blueberries and sugar out in favor of 2 teaspoons of blueberry jam. Better yet, add all of the cocktail ingredients to a nearly-empty jar of blueberry jam and shake it up in there!
More Gin Cocktails to Try Next
- If you love a berry and gin cocktail, try my Blackberry Gin Basil Smash.
- For the cranberry cocktail fiends, try this delicious Cranberry Gin Cocktail.
- Got extra basil? Make a Limoncello Gin Basil Smash.
- This Sloe Gin Fizz is an all-time favorite of mine.
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Blueberry Gin Cocktail Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 8 blueberries
- 4 large basil leaves
- ¾ teaspoon sugar
- Pinch salt
- 1 ¾ ounces dry gin
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¼ ounce St. Germaine, optional
- ¼ ounce Chambord, optional
- ½ ounce club soda
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle blueberries, basil, sugar and salt until jammy.
- Add gin, lemon juice, St. Germaine and chambord (if using), fill shaker with ice, secure lid, and shake vigorously until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice. Top with club soda and serve.
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