Basil and Cucumber Smash Cocktail
A bright, garden-fresh cocktail featuring muddled cucumber and basil mixed with your choice of spirit, lime juice, and simple syrup. Served over ice with a splash of soda, it’s the perfect balance of herbaceous, tart, and refreshing.
Ingredients
- 2 oz gin or vodka quality matters here!
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves plus extra for garnish
- 3-4 thin cucumber slices plus extra for garnish
- ½ oz fresh lime juice about half a lime
- ½ oz simple syrup equal parts sugar and water, dissolved
- Ice cubes
- Splash of soda water about 1-2 oz
- Optional: cucumber ribbon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your glass by filling it with ice and setting it aside to chill while you make the cocktail.
- Place cucumber slices and basil leaves in the bottom of your cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their oils and flavors. Don’t over-muddle the basil or it can become bitter – just press enough to bruise the leaves.
- Add the gin or vodka, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with the muddled ingredients.
- Fill the shaker halfway with ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
- Empty your chilled glass of its ice and refill with fresh ice.
- Double-strain the cocktail into your prepared glass to catch any small herb or cucumber pieces.
- Top with a splash of soda water and gently stir to incorporate.
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf and cucumber slice or an elegant cucumber ribbon. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan, heat until dissolved, then cool completely before using. It keeps for weeks in the refrigerator.
- This cocktail can be batched for parties – just multiply ingredients (except soda) and store in a pitcher. Add ice and soda just before serving.
- For a spicier variation, add a thin slice of jalapeño during the muddling process.
- English cucumbers work best as they have fewer seeds and a crisper texture.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the spirit with extra soda water or cucumber-flavored sparkling water.