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Gin Basil Smash

Gin Basil Smash

ClassicIBA Official

Gin, lemon, and a fistful of basil.

ClassicHerbalSummerRefreshing
4 minEasyBalanced

Fresh and aromatic. A wave of peppery basil rides over juniper and bright lemon, with just enough sugar to round it into a garden-in-a-glass cooler.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Gin
  • 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
  • 12 Basil Leaves
  • Basil sprig · optional garnish

Method

  1. 1

    Gently muddle the basil leaves with the simple syrup in a shaker.

  2. 2

    Add the gin and lemon juice and shake hard with ice.

  3. 3

    Double-strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.

  4. 4

    Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.

The Story

A modern German classic created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion in Hamburg. Meyer set out to prove a great new drink could be built from simple ingredients — gin, lemon, sugar, and garden basil — and the vivid green "smash" quickly became a bartender favorite worldwide.

Glass · Rocks glassGarnish · Basil sprig

Recipe card

The whole recipe in one shareable image.

Gin Basil Smash recipe infographic