Gin Basil Smash

Difford’s Guide
Discerning Drinkers (583 ratings)

Photographed in an UB Ginza Old Fashioned 10.5oz

Ingredients:
12 fresh Basil leaves
2 oz Hayman's London Dry Gin
34 oz Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
13 oz Monin Pure Cane Syrup (65.0Β°brix, equivalent to 2:1 rich syrup)
× 1 1 serving
Read about cocktail measures and measuring

How to make:

  1. Select and pre-chill an Old-fashioned glass.
  2. Prepare garnish of three basil sprigs..
  3. MUDDLE basil sprigs (no need to pluck leaves from stem) in base of shaker.
  4. Add other ingredients and SHAKE with ice.
  5. FINE STRAIN into chilled glass.
  6. Garnish with basil sprig bouquet.

Strength & taste guide:

No alcohol
Medium
Boozy
Strength 8/10
Sweet
Medium
Dry/sour
Sweet to sour 6/10

Review:

JΓΆrg, the creator of this cocktail, says, "Better too much than not enough basil in this drink". He also specifies that the basil is muddled rather than just broken by the action of shaking as this produces a greener drink. He adds "Keep in mind: 5 cl Gin is not enough; 6 cl Gin is the recipe; 7 cl Gin is LOVE!"

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AKA: Gin Pesto

History:

Created in the summer of 2008 by JΓΆrg Meyer at Le Lion β€’ Bar de Paris, Hamburg, Germany and originally named Gin Pesto. JΓΆrg blogged about his new creation on the 10th of July 2008 and from that point, it started to quickly grow in popularity to become internationally known, also becoming better known as the Gin Basil Smash.

Difford’s Guide remains free-to-use thanks to the support of the brands in green above. Values stated for alcohol and calorie content, and number of drinks an ingredient makes should be considered approximate.

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Anne Cunningham’s Avatar Anne Cunningham
3rd July at 17:48
Also, can we add photos? I can’t see a way to do it,
Anne Cunningham’s Avatar Anne Cunningham
3rd July at 17:25
Tried this today on a lovely, lazy, balmy summer late afternoon. It was just a bit too sour for me so added another drop of cane sugar syrup and that did the trick. So simple, yet gorgeous and refreshing. When I got near the bottom I didn’t want to waste all the lovely basil garnish (I was generous! πŸ˜‚) so I added another measure of gin and topped up with tonic. Sipping it now - absolutely delicious.
Jens Finderup’s Avatar Jens Finderup
30th June at 19:42
Has anyone tried to make a basil syrup? For quicker expedite.
Florian Ruf’s Avatar Florian Ruf
12th April at 14:38
Adding some drops of Japanese Umami Bitters adds more depths.
Ruth Harvey’s Avatar Ruth Harvey
28th March at 18:45
I added a shot of Kalani. We loved it. Summer vibes!β˜€οΈπŸ˜Ž
Tim Miller’s Avatar Tim Miller
14th March at 22:28
What was the original measurement of rich simple syrup before switching the recipe to Monin syrup? The original was delicious but the new recipe seems overly sour.
Simon Difford’s Avatar Simon Difford
15th March at 07:58
The same. Both syrups are almost identical in sweetness so a direct swap. Monin Pure Cane Syrup = 65.0 brix. Rich sugar syrup 2:1 by volume = 65.1 brix
Justine Fehley’s Avatar Justine Fehley
14th March at 01:21
Original recipe is solid. I also tried making it with Gin Mare, which is Mediterranean style with basil as a botanical, and upped it to 70 ml. That was a different drink, but also quite good.
Felicia  Stratton ’s Avatar Felicia Stratton
23rd February at 17:14
100% upcoming summer on heavy rotation since no yellow chartreuse for Slow & Unsteady. Basically perfect cocktail. Thanks Jorg!!!!!
Bruce Bowman’s Avatar Bruce Bowman
24th June at 21:51
I agree. Recipe I first saw had 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1), and came out a little sweet for my taste. This Diffords recipe seems about right.
16th February at 03:34
Try adding a little bit of malibu coconut liquor to this. Balances the acidity perfectly and puts a tropical twist to the drink
13th February at 20:42
Love this cocktail it’s so fresh and summery.. even in February!