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.
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:
- Fresh blueberries 8-10 berries
- Fresh basil leaves 4-6 leaves
- Gin 2 oz
- Lemon juice 3/4 oz
- Simple syrup 1/2 oz
- Ice cubes for shaking and serving
- Extra blueberries for garnish optional
- Basil sprig for garnish optional
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.
- 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.