How to make a Basil Smash at home

The Basil Smash is one of those cocktails that sounds fancy but is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Made with The Biologist Gin, fresh basil, lemon juice and a little sugar syrup, it's crisp, refreshing and ideal when you want something a bit different from a G&T. If you've got a basil plant that's getting out of hand, even better.

What you'll need to make a Basil Smash

• 50ml The Biologist Gin

• 35ml Fresh Lemon Juice

• 15ml Sugar Syrup

• 4–6 Fresh Basil Leaves

• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Add the gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup, then throw in around 4–6 basil leaves.

3. Give it a good shake for 10–15 seconds. The shaking helps release the fresh aroma and flavour from the basil.

4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass.

5. Garnish with a basil leaf.

6. Serve immediately & enjoy!

Why we love this cocktail

The Basil Smash proves that great cocktails don't need lots of ingredients. It's fresh and easy to make, but still feels a bit special. The basil and lemon do most of the heavy lifting, while a good gin brings everything together.

It's the sort of cocktail that's equally at home in the garden, at a barbecue or on the sofa after a long week.

Tips for the perfect Basil Smash

• Give the basil leaves a gentle clap between your hands before adding them to release their oils.

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice will always taste better than bottled.

• Prefer a stronger basil flavour? Add a couple more leaves to the shaker.

About The Biologist Gin

Madame Jennifer The Biologist Gin is distilled by us here in Hove. Created by our co-founder Inger, who happens to be a biologist, it's a bright, citrus-forward gin that works just as well in cocktails as it does in a classic G&T.

Looking for more cocktails inspo?

Check out our Cocktail Recipes page for more drinks to make at home.