Blueberry Gin Basil Smash

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):

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!

More Delicious Drinks Recipes

• Creamy Coconut Mojito
• Palm Springs Date Shake
• Summer Breeze Cocktail Recipe