Pineapple Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Sharing is caring!

Summer drinks need a fresh twist. This Pineapple Basil Smash brings sweet tropical fruit and garden-fresh herbs together in one glass.

The mix of fresh pineapple juice, muddled basil leaves, and your choice of vodka or gin creates a bright and balanced cocktail perfect for warm weather.

The drink takes just 5 minutes to make and needs basic bar tools like a muddler and shaker.

Fresh ingredients make this cocktail stand out – skip the canned juice and grab a ripe pineapple instead.

Guests love watching the mixology process of crushing fragrant basil and shaking up this eye-catching yellow drink. The recipe works well for both backyard parties and quiet evenings at home.

Pineapple Basil Smash Cocktail Recipe

Print

Pin

Rate

This refreshing drink mixes sweet pineapple juice with fresh basil and vodka for a perfect summer cocktail.

John

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Serving Size 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger or measuring cup
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Collins glass
• Ice

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 4 oz fresh pineapple juice
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• Club soda for topping
• Ice cubes
• Extra basil and pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions

• Place basil leaves in the cocktail shaker and muddle gently to release oils.
• Add vodka, pineapple juice, simple syrup, and lime juice to the shaker.
• Fill shaker with ice and shake for 10-15 seconds until well chilled.
• Strain mixture into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with a splash of club soda and stir gently.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a pineapple wedge.

Notes

The drink tastes best with fresh pineapple juice rather than canned.

Store-bought simple syrup works well, or make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and hot water.

Fresh lime juice adds brightness – avoid bottled lime juice for the best results.

Make it non-alcoholic by replacing vodka with extra pineapple juice and club soda.

The basil leaves should be fresh and bright green for the best flavor and aroma.

Did You Make This Recipe?

Be sure to share with me on Instagram, Pinterest, or Youtube!

Rate this Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe

Must Have Ingredients

Image	Title	Buy
	Collins Candied Fruit Orange Peel Twist in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Strawberries in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Collins Candied Ginger in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Peninsula Premium Cocktail Cherries For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Premium Lychees in Syrup For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	Oranfit Dried Lime Slices For Garnish	Buy On Amazon
	LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack	Buy On Amazon
	Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer	Buy On Amazon
	Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Mixers Premium Ginger Ale	Buy On Amazon
	Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave	Buy On Amazon
	Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt	Buy On Amazon
	WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint	Buy On Amazon
	Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar	Buy On Amazon
	Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Lavender Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Portland Syrups Vanilla Syrup	Buy On Amazon
	Original Bloody Mary Mix	Buy On Amazon
	Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit	Buy On Amazon
	Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners	Buy On Amazon
	1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer	Buy On Amazon
	Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker	Buy On Amazon
	Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails	Buy On Amazon

Tasting Notes

The Pineapple Basil Smash hits the palate with sweet, tropical pineapple flavors balanced by fresh herbal notes. The combination creates a refreshing and bright cocktail experience.

The drink’s aroma features prominent fresh basil, complemented by the sweet scent of ripe pineapple. These scents blend together to create an inviting tropical garden smell.

Primary Flavors:

• Fresh pineapple
• Sweet basil
• Light citrus notes
• Subtle mint undertones

The texture is smooth with a slight froth from the muddled ingredients. Ice dilution adds a silky quality that makes each sip easy to enjoy.

The finish leaves a pleasant mix of sweet and herbal flavors that slowly fade, making way for the next sip. The drink maintains its balanced flavor profile from start to finish.

Temperature Impact: The cocktail tastes best when served very cold, around 34-38°F (1-3°C). As it warms, the basil notes become more noticeable while the pineapple sweetness stays consistent.

The alcohol presence is mild and well-integrated with the other flavors. It provides warmth without overpowering the fresh fruit and herb components.

Substitute

The main ingredients in a Pineapple Basil Smash can be swapped with similar items if needed. Fresh pineapple juice can be replaced with canned pineapple juice or store-bought juice.

If fresh basil isn’t available, mint makes a good replacement. Thai basil also works well and adds a slight licorice flavor to the drink.

For the alcohol base, white rum can take the place of gin. Vodka is another option that keeps the drink light and refreshing.

Simple syrup alternatives include:

• Honey syrup
• Agave nectar
• Pure maple syrup

Non-alcoholic version: Replace the gin with club soda or ginger ale. Add a splash of lime juice to keep the bright, tangy taste.

The drink can be served in any tall glass if a Collins glass isn’t handy. A highball glass or mason jar works just as well.

Sharing is caring!