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Gin Basil Smash
Posted: July 17, 2026
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About
The Gin Basil Smash is one of the great modern classics — a herb-forward gin sour created by bartender Jörg Meyer at Le Lion in Hamburg in 2008 that became a global sensation almost overnight. Fresh basil is muddled and shaken directly with the ingredients, producing a vibrant emerald-green drink that's simultaneously aromatic, tart, and refreshing. It proved that culinary herbs had a permanent place in cocktail making and inspired an entire generation of 'smash' variations. Simple, elegant, and unmistakably delicious.
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle fresh basil leaves with simple syrup until the basil is well broken down and aromatic.
- Add gin and fresh lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12 seconds.
- Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass over fresh ice to remove all basil solids.
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf pressed against the inside of the glass.