Blueberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

ByJohn

I like to keep my drinks simple and fresh, especially as the weather gets warmer.

This Blueberry Basil Smash cocktail is easy to make at home, mixing sweet blueberries with fragrant basil for a light and refreshing drink.

The ingredients are easy to find, and you don’t need any special skills or tools to prepare it.

When I want a drink that feels special but doesn’t take much time, this recipe is one of my favorites.

The mix of berry and basil flavor stands out, and the color looks nice in the glass.

If you want to make something that impresses your friends or just enjoy a relaxing evening, this cocktail is a good choice.

You can use regular club soda or sparkling water to give the drink some fizz.

I often adjust the amount of sweetener to fit my taste, so it works for different preferences.

This recipe works well with or without alcohol, so everyone can enjoy it.

Blueberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Blueberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Blueberry Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe
This drink uses muddled blueberries and fresh basil with simple syrup, lemon juice, and gin. I prepare it with everyday tools and ingredients from my kitchen.
John
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 1

Equipment

  • For this recipe, I need a sturdy cocktail shaker and a muddler.
  • I use the muddler to crush the blueberries and basil leaves so they release their juices and oils.
  • For straining, I prefer a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp, seeds, or basil bits before serving.
  • I use a jigger to measure liquids accurately.
  • If I don’t have one, I substitute with a tablespoon.
  • A short glass, like an old-fashioned or rocks glass, works best to serve this drink.
  • I make sure to have a spoon for stirring and some ice cubes for shaking and serving.

Ingredients

To make one cocktail, I use these ingredients:

I choose ripe blueberries for the best flavor.

Instructions

  • I add the blueberries, basil, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  • I muddle until the berries burst and the basil looks bruised. This helps mix the flavors.
  • I pour in the gin and lemon juice.
  • I fill the shaker with ice, seal it, and shake firmly for about 15 seconds.
  • Using a fine mesh strainer, I pour the drink into a glass filled with fresh ice. This keeps out seeds and bits of herbs.
  • For garnish, I add a few whole blueberries and a small basil sprig if I like.

Notes

I adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
Sometimes I change the garnish by adding a lemon wheel or zest for a different look.
If I want a milder taste, I reduce the gin and use more lemon juice.
For a non-alcoholic version, I swap gin for soda water after shaking and straining.
I sometimes use honey syrup instead of regular simple syrup for a richer taste.
This drink tastes best when served immediately and kept cold.
I avoid over-muddling the basil because it can become bitter.

Tasting Notes

When I sip the Blueberry Basil Smash, the first thing I notice is the bright, slightly sweet taste of blueberries.

The fruit gives a fresh juiciness that stands out right away.

Basil adds a gentle herbal flavor.

It mixes well with the berries and gives the drink a clean, earthy finish.

The basil also keeps the sweetness in balance.

The lemon juice brings a mild tartness.

This bit of sourness helps the cocktail feel lively without making it too sharp.

I also sense a hint of botanical notes from the gin.

These add a soft background, but don’t overpower the other flavors.

The texture is smooth, and the crushed ice keeps everything chilled.

The result is a drink that’s both refreshing and easy to enjoy.

Must Have Ingredients

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have every ingredient for a Blueberry Basil Smash. It happens more often than I’d like to admit.

When blueberries are missing, I’ll grab blackberries, raspberries, or even strawberries. If I only have frozen berries, I’ll thaw them out and use those.

No basil? I’ll go for mint or cilantro instead. The flavor changes, sure, but it still feels fresh and lively.

If gin’s gone, I’ll swap in vodka or white rum. Both play nicely with the fruit and herbs—at least in my experience.

I always taste as I go. Sometimes honey or agave can be a bit sweeter than simple syrup, so I just adjust until it feels right.

Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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