Berry-Basil Smash (A Refreshing Gin Cocktail)
This berry-basil smash ended up being my Labor Day weekend cocktail. Basically, like me, it was clinging onto summer vibes for dear life.
As my struggling basil plants show definite signs of giving up the fight, I am trying to squeeze in all the recipes I’ve bookmarked that call for fresh basil.
While I’ve made cocktails with a basil simple syrup (like one of my all-time faves, a basil gin gimlet), I’ve actually never used my muddler tool before. This recipes calls for muddling basil leaves in the cocktail shaker, which releases the most amazing scent!!
(You don’t have to have a special muddler tool, I just bought a few different cocktail/bartender tools so was excited to use mine)
The “berry” in this berry-basil smash comes not from fresh fruit, but rather a small amount of Chambord. It’s a black raspberry liqueur, quite concentrated and sweet, so a little goes a long way.
Its sweetness is balanced out by fresh lemon juice (yes, FRESH only), and the whole thing is lightened up by some sparkling water.
Begin by muddling 3 basil leaves gently in the shaker glass.
Add a bunch of ice to the shaker and then add the gin, Chambord, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake for at least 15 seconds.
Strain over ice in a rocks glass and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with the remaining basil leaf (a lemon wheel would be great with it too).
I savored my summer-y cocktail out on my deck with a fire and a book. Basically Labor Day weekend in a nutshell.
With this berry-basil smash, you’re always only about 3 minutes away from feeling that bliss of summer vibes any time of year…[insert heart eyes emoji]
Other refreshing gin cocktails you’ll love:
- The Verdant Lady (Gin & Green Chartreuse Cocktail)
- Basil Gin Smash
- “Ma’am Don’t Be Silly”: A Blackberry Aperol Gin Cocktail
- A Classic Gin Rickey Cocktail (Low-Carb, No Sugar)
- A Classic “Army and Navy” Gin Cocktail
- Cherry Lemonade for Grown-Ups (Cherry & Lemon Gin Cocktail)
- Basil Gin Gimlet Cocktail
- A Different Take on Poinsettia Punch (Berry, Lemon, Spice, & Gin)
I believe this recipe is from a collaboration between Fords Gin and @sante_food.wine.spirits, and I’ve adapted slightly.
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Berry-Basil Smash (A Refreshing Gin Cocktail)
This berry-basil smash is a refreshing gin cocktail that's perfect for spring and summer, when fresh basil is plentiful...a great day drinking option as well!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of dry London gin (I love Fords)
- Scant 1/2 ounce of Chambord liqueur (basically, a splash)
- 3/4 ounce of fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce of simple syrup
- 2 ounces of sparkling water
- 4 basil leaves (3 for muddling and 1 for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by muddling 3 basil leaves gently in the shaker glass.
- Add a bunch of ice to the shaker and then add the gin, Chambord, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Shake for at least 15 seconds.
- Strain over ice in a rocks glass and top with the sparkling water. Garnish with the remaining basil leaf (a lemon wheel would be great with it too).
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