Mixing drinks at home? It can be surprisingly simple and honestly, pretty rewarding. When I’m after something fresh and aromatic, I reach for a Lavender Basil Smash.
This recipe shows you how to blend the floral notes of lavender with the bright, herbal taste of basil for a unique drink.
I love grabbing ingredients from my own kitchen and making cocktails that stand out. The Lavender Basil Smash is easy to whip up, and you don’t need any fancy skills.
Just a few steps, and you’ve got a cocktail that looks and tastes impressive—even if you’re not a pro.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: You’ll want this for mixing everything thoroughly.
- Muddler: I use it to press the basil and lavender and get those flavors out.
- Jigger: For measuring liquids—accuracy helps.
- Strainer: Keeps the bits out of your glass.
- Highball or rocks glass: I usually serve the cocktail in one of these.
- Bar spoon: Handy for stirring, if you need it.
- Fine mesh strainer (optional): Catches tiny herb pieces when pouring.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin: I pick a gin that isn’t too herbal so it won’t drown out the lavender and basil.
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice: Adds tartness and a bit of zing.
- 3/4 oz simple syrup: Sweetens things up and keeps the flavors balanced.
- 3-4 fresh basil leaves: I like these for their strong bright flavor.
- 1/4 tsp dried culinary lavender or 1 small sprig fresh lavender: Just enough floral to play nice with the basil and gin.
- Ice: For shaking and serving obviously.
- Basil sprig and lavender sprig for garnish: Not a must, but it looks and smells great.
Instructions
- Add the basil leaves and lavender to your shaker.
- Muddle gently to release the oils and scents. I try not to shred the leaves too much.
- Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
- Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker.
- Pop the lid on and shake well for about 15-20 seconds, until the outside feels icy.
- If I want things extra smooth, I double strain with a standard and a fine mesh strainer.
- Pour into a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a basil sprig and a touch of lavender for that extra aroma.
Notes
Fresh basil is a must. Old, limp leaves just drag the drink down.
Don’t over-muddle the herbs or you’ll get unwanted bitterness.
Sometimes I swap gin for vodka, or tweak the syrup if I want it sweeter or drier. Why not?
I taste before serving and adjust lemon or syrup until it feels right. It’s personal.
The garnish is optional, but honestly, it really does make the drink pop.
Must Have Ingredients
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Tasting Notes
First sip? There’s this gentle floral aroma from the lavender—pleasant, but not in-your-face. The scent mixes with the basil and it’s honestly pretty inviting.
The taste is fresh and lively. I catch a hint of sweetness up front, thanks to the simple syrup and lavender.
There’s a soft herbal note from the basil. As the drink sits, the lemon’s tartness starts to shine through.
The basil gives a green, almost peppery edge, but it never takes over. Here’s how I’d break down the flavors:
The cocktail is smooth—not heavy, not too sweet. The ice keeps it cold, so each sip feels crisp and pretty refreshing.
I think the balance between herbal and floral flavors is what makes this drink interesting. The lavender and basil really play well together, neither one hogging the spotlight.
Substitute
Sometimes, I just don’t have fresh lavender or basil handy. That’s when I start improvising to keep the cocktail fresh and interesting.
For lavender, I’ll swap in one of these:
- Culinary lavender syrup
- Dried lavender (I go easy on this—too much gets overpowering)
- Infuse the spirit with a little lavender tea
When it comes to basil, here’s what I reach for instead:
- Fresh mint
- Tarragon
- Fresh cilantro (it’s a bit unusual, but honestly, why not?)
If gin’s missing from my shelf, I’ll try these:
- Vodka
- White rum
- Tequila blanco
Equipment
- Measuring jigger
- Cocktail shaker
- Strainer
- Muddler
- Glass
Ingredients
- Substituted spirit (gin, vodka, rum, or tequila)
- Lavender (or whatever swap you picked)
- Basil (or one of the alternatives)
- Fresh lemon juice
- Simple syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- Add your herb and syrup to the shaker.
- Gently muddle them—don’t go overboard, just enough to get the flavors going.
- Pour in your spirit, lemon juice, and a scoop of ice.
- Shake it up really well.
- Strain into a glass and garnish however you like.
