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!
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!
How to Make a Gin Basil Smash
Here’s how to make a gin basil smash (with blueberries or any type of berry):
- Muddle the fruit and basil leaves in a cocktail shaker.
- Add the lemon juice and gin.
- Shake and strain into a glass filled with ice.
- 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!
More Delicious Drinks Recipes
Blueberry Gin Basil Smash
Equipment
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.
Looks like the perfect drink for the patio. I love blueberries. They make the drink so pretty too.
Love your blueberry gin basil smash cocktail! Fabulous recipe and the perfect way to celebrate 5 o’clock! Thanks so much for this recipe
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.
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!
Basil and fruit is one favorite ways to use this herb. This cocktails sounds so refreshing and just perfect for summer!
This blueberry gin basil smash was full of lovely flavors! Love that I can substitute in other fruits, too.
This cocktail screams summer! I love the gin and basil in this, the perfect combination.
This is a perfect Summer drink! So refreshing and delicious! I think I’ll make it tonight 😉
Such pretty drinks. It looks delicious, and I am sure my sister will love this.
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!
Such great ingredients. This is a very tasty cocktail!
This was such a refreshing and delicious cocktail!
Great flavor combination!
The perfect summer drink 🙂
Thanks for the recipe! It is delicious and refreshing – my guests loved it!
Sweet, fizzy and herbal; I love it!
What a flavorful and refreshing summer cocktail!
Great recipe! We loved it!
This flavor combo is delicious!
Delicious! Made it with the substitution for ginger beer and came out amazing!!