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Home » Drinks » Blueberry Gin Basil Smash

Blueberry Gin Basil Smash

July 9, 2021 · Desserts & Drinks ·
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Blueberry Gin Basil Smash cocktail recipe poured into glasses.
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This Blueberry Gin Basil Smash is the perfect easy-to-make cocktail for summer. Sweet blueberries, earthy basil, and a botanical gin combined with fizzy ginger beer and a touch of zesty lemon juice, this is a refreshing drink that you’ll want to keep on repeat!

The Best Basil Gin Smash Cocktail

We are right smack dab in the middle of summer and, like many of you, we have an abundance of basil. Which is definitely not a bad thing! Basil pesto along with basil-focused pizzas and pastas are the best around this time of year.

But if you still find yourself trying to figure out what to do with all of your extra summer herbs, then this refreshing cocktail may be the perfect solution! It’s sweet, fizzy, balanced, and delicious. This Blueberry Gin Basil Smash is truly the best summer drink!

Top shot close up of Blueberry Gin Basil Smash.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy cocktail:

  • Blueberries
  • Basil Leaves
  • Gin
  • Lemon Juice
  • Ginger Beer

Using Other Fruit in This Recipe

Don’t have fresh blueberries? Strawberries, blackberries, or even ripe, pitted cherries are all great options!

Substitution for Ginger Beer

There’s nothing like the depth and flavor that ginger beer adds to cocktails, especially smash recipes. However, if you don’t have ginger beer on hand, a combination of simple syrup and club soda works great!

For 2 oz. of ginger beer, substitute 2-3 tsp of simple syrup and about 1.5 oz. of club soda!

Blueberry Gin Basil Smash in a cocktail glass.

How to Make a Gin Basil Smash

Here’s how to make a gin basil smash (with blueberries or any type of berry):

  1. Muddle the fruit and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
  2. Add the lemon juice and gin.
  3. Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
  4. Add ginger beer, garnish, and enjoy!

Tips for Muddling the Basil

It’s always important to be gentle when it comes to muddling herbs for cocktails! To muddle basil for a smash recipe, place it in a cocktail shaker and gently press it down with a spoon or a wooden cocktail muddler.

The goal is to muddle the basil just enough to release the juices and aroma, making sure not to over-muddle the herb or completely destroy it. This would result in a bitter taste instead of that blossoming, herbal flavor in the gently muddled basil that we are looking for!

Using Gin in a Smash Cocktail

Similar to a whiskey smash, using gin in smash cocktails is another delicious option. The botanical flavors of gin balance so perfectly with an earthy herb like basil, and the lemon juice brings it all together. Add berries for a touch of bright, sweet flavor and ginger beer for depth and a fizzy texture. The result? The most beautiful summertime cocktail that will impress you and your guests!

Across shot of Blueberry Gin Basil Smash in coupe glasses.

More Delicious Drinks Recipes

  • Creamy Coconut Mojito
  • Palm Springs Date Shake
  • Summer Breeze Cocktail Recipe
Blueberry Gin Basil Smash cocktail recipe poured into glasses.

Blueberry Gin Basil Smash

Desserts & Drinks
This Blueberry Gin Basil Smash is the perfect easy-to-make cocktail for summer. Sweet blueberries, earthy basil, and a botanical gin combined with fizzy ginger beer and a touch of zesty lemon juice, this is a refreshing drink that you'll want to keep on repeat!
5 from 51 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Drink
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Cocktail
Calories 196 kcal

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup blueberries
  • 3-4 leaves basil
  • 1 ounces lemon juice
  • 2 ounces gin
  • 2 ounces ginger beer or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Muddle the blueberries and basil in the base of a cocktail shaker.
  • Add in the lemon juice and gin.
  • Add ice and shake.
  • Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  • Add ginger beer and give it a mix.
  • Garnish with extra basil and enjoy!

Notes

  • Don’t have fresh blueberries? Strawberries, blackberries, or even ripe, pitted cherries are a great option!
  • You can substitute 2 oz. of ginger beer with 2-3 tsp of simple syrup and about 1.5 oz. of club soda, if necessary.

Nutrition

Calories: 196kcal
Keyword Gin Basil Smash
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Drinks, Spring/Summer Cocktails, Summer

Previous Post: « Palm Springs Date Shake
Next Post: Lemon Turmeric Cake »

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5 from 51 votes (31 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Gloria says

    July 26, 2021 at 10:02 am

    5 stars
    Looks like the perfect drink for the patio. I love blueberries. They make the drink so pretty too.

    Reply
  2. Jenny says

    July 26, 2021 at 10:44 am

    5 stars
    Love your blueberry gin basil smash cocktail! Fabulous recipe and the perfect way to celebrate 5 o’clock! Thanks so much for this recipe

    Reply
  3. Bernice says

    July 26, 2021 at 11:14 am

    5 stars
    Excellent timing. This is the first year I’ve been able to grow such lovely basil. Can’t wait to try some out with the blueberry gin combination.

    Reply
  4. Enriqueta E Lemoine says

    July 26, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a rum lover, but this gin cocktail it’s so beautifully presented, that I just shared on. my Pinterest “Cheers” board. Your pictures are simply gorgeous!

    Reply
  5. Lauren Michael Harris says

    July 27, 2021 at 6:52 am

    5 stars
    Basil and fruit is one favorite ways to use this herb. This cocktails sounds so refreshing and just perfect for summer!

    Reply
  6. Tristin says

    July 27, 2021 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    This blueberry gin basil smash was full of lovely flavors! Love that I can substitute in other fruits, too.

    Reply
  7. Sharon says

    July 27, 2021 at 9:42 am

    5 stars
    This cocktail screams summer! I love the gin and basil in this, the perfect combination.

    Reply
  8. Veronika says

    July 30, 2021 at 9:34 am

    5 stars
    This is a perfect Summer drink! So refreshing and delicious! I think I’ll make it tonight 😉

    Reply
  9. Amy Liu Dong says

    July 31, 2021 at 11:57 pm

    5 stars
    Such pretty drinks. It looks delicious, and I am sure my sister will love this.

    Reply
  10. Ramona says

    August 1, 2021 at 3:31 pm

    5 stars
    This blueberry gin basil smash looks perfect for relaxing in the garden on a hot day! I am definitely looking forward to a hot day just to make this. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I cant wait to try this out!

    Reply
  11. Angela says

    August 9, 2021 at 11:54 am

    5 stars
    Such great ingredients. This is a very tasty cocktail!

    Reply
  12. Freya says

    August 9, 2021 at 12:37 pm

    5 stars
    This was such a refreshing and delicious cocktail!

    Reply
  13. Ksenia prints says

    August 9, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    Great flavor combination!

    Reply
  14. Kay says

    August 9, 2021 at 3:22 pm

    5 stars
    The perfect summer drink 🙂

    Reply
  15. Marcellina says

    August 9, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for the recipe! It is delicious and refreshing – my guests loved it!

    Reply
  16. Brianna says

    August 9, 2021 at 8:31 pm

    5 stars
    Sweet, fizzy and herbal; I love it!

    Reply
  17. Jeri says

    August 10, 2021 at 7:09 am

    5 stars
    What a flavorful and refreshing summer cocktail!

    Reply
  18. Elizabeth Flight says

    August 10, 2021 at 3:08 pm

    5 stars
    Great recipe! We loved it!

    Reply
  19. Jamie says

    August 11, 2021 at 1:03 am

    5 stars
    This flavor combo is delicious!

    Reply
  20. Cara says

    February 21, 2023 at 7:38 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Made it with the substitution for ginger beer and came out amazing!!

    Reply

Trackbacks

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  6. 7 Summer Drinks to Make for Refreshing Gatherings - Refresh Restyle says:
    July 7, 2024 at 11:35 am

    […] include gin, blueberries, basil, lemon juice, and ginger beer. Some recipes, such as this one, also suggest using honey or a wildflower honey […]

    Reply

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