I get asked all the time about cocktails that actually stand out at parties. My Elderflower Basil Smash is one of those drinks—a refreshing blend of floral and herbal flavors that feels light but modern.

This cocktail’s a breeze to make, and the ingredients are usually easy to find. It’s crisp and just right for warm days, or honestly, whenever I want to serve something a little unexpected.

If you’re curious about how to mix this up at home, I’ll walk you through each step and list everything you’ll need. No stress, promise.

Elderflower Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

This Elderflower Basil Smash leans on fresh basil, floral elderflower liqueur, and gin for a bright, aromatic sip. I’ll share the tools I use, the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and a few tips I’ve picked up along the way.

John

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Serving Size

Equipment

Cocktail shaker: I like using a shaker to chill and mix everything fast.
Muddler: This is what I grab to coax the oils and flavor out of the basil leaves.
Strainer: Essential for keeping basil bits and ice out of the glass.

Measuring jigger: I rely on a jigger for accuracy—eyeballing isn’t my thing here.
Small knife and cutting board: For prepping lemon wedges or zest if I’m feeling fancy with the garnish.
Short glass (rocks glass): I pour it into a sturdy, short glass.

Bar spoon: Sometimes I use a spoon for a gentle stir, but not always.
Fine mesh strainer (optional): If I want a super smooth finish, I’ll double strain through this.

Ingredients

2 oz gin
1 oz elderflower liqueur like St-Germain
3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
6-8 fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish

Ice cubes
Lemon wheel or basil sprig for garnish optional

Instructions

I toss the basil leaves into my shaker and gently muddle them—not smashing, just pressing to get those oils out.
Then, I add the gin, elderflower liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup.

Fill the shaker with ice and give it a good shake, about 15 seconds or so.
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice—don’t use ice that’s been sitting around.
If I’m in the mood for a super clean drink, I’ll double strain with a fine mesh strainer.

Top it off with a fresh basil sprig or a lemon wheel if you’re feeling extra.

I try not to shake too long, or it’ll get watered down. And about muddling—don’t tear the basil to shreds. Just press gently.

Notes

I tweak the simple syrup depending on my mood. If I’m not feeling sweet, I’ll use less syrup or squeeze in a bit more lemon juice.

Different gins totally change the drink. Herb-forward gins work great with basil, but lighter ones let the elderflower shine. Sometimes I even swap basil for mint—why not?

Cold, fresh ice is key. If I’m making a bunch for friends, I muddle a big batch of basil and shake drinks in groups. I always cut the garnishes last minute so they’re crisp and bright.

Tasting Notes

First sip? There’s this light, floral aroma from the elderflower—delicate and fresh, honestly.

The taste is a blend of sweet and herbal. Elderflower liqueur brings a gentle sweetness, and the basil adds that fresh, green kick.

It’s cool and crisp, and the lemon juice gives just enough citrus to keep it from tipping too sweet.

Quick rundown of the main flavors:

Elderflower: floral, sweet
Basil: herbal, fresh
Lemon: sour, bright

The mouthfeel’s light, nothing heavy. Super refreshing—especially over ice. Basil lingers at the end with a clean aftertaste.

I really like how the flavors play together—nothing’s fighting for attention. The drink stays cool, easy, and honestly, I could sip it all afternoon.

Substitute

Sometimes I just don’t have all the ingredients or tools for an Elderflower Basil Smash. So, I get creative with what’s on hand:

Equipment:

If my cocktail shaker is missing, a jar with a tight lid does the trick.
For crushing basil, a wooden spoon or even a muddler works well enough.
Honestly, any strainer I find in my kitchen will do.

Ingredients:

No gin? I’ll grab vodka or white rum instead. It changes the flavor, but why not?
When I’m out of elderflower liqueur, I reach for St. Germain syrup or elderflower cordial.
Lemon juice missing from the fridge? Lime juice steps in just fine.

Basil can be tricky to find sometimes, so I’ll use fresh mint leaves for a lighter herbal vibe.

Instructions:

I muddle whatever herbs I’ve got, mint or otherwise, just like I would with basil.
Even if I swap out alcohol or juice, I stick to the usual shaking and straining routine.

If I’m using syrup instead of liqueur, I tweak the sweetness, tasting as I go—no shame in a little trial and error.

Elderflower Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe