The gin basil smash is a cocktail for gin lovers who have everything. 

This often-forgotten modern classic is perfect when you’re in the mood for something fresh, herbal and ultimately smashable - and it's the perfect drink for right now while wild basil is in full bloom.

The cocktail was first created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer from Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg. It quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, plus the cocktail is a great canvas to showcase the versatility of gin and the aromatic qualities of basil, resulting in a well-balanced and refreshing drink. 

To make the original recipe you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 60ml Wild Basil Gin
• 30ml Lemon Juice 
• 15ml Sugar Syrup 
• 12 Fresh Basil Leaves

Clap your basil leaves in your hands and drop them into your shaker*, then combine the rest of your ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Fine strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh basil.

The result - a bright green, quenching cocktail that is sure to remind guests of why this drink is a modern classic. 

The variations are endless when it comes to adding to the basil smash, including splitting the base with a flavoured liqueur, using lime juice instead of lemon, adding fresh cucumber to your shaker or using different syrups for added flavour.

*Original recipes for the gin basil smash call for you to muddle your basil. Don’t do this - if you muddle your basil the cocktail has a tendency to become bitter and astringent.