Thai Basil Gin Smash features fresh Thai basil, lemon and lime juice, gin, simple syrup, and is topped with club soda for the perfect fizzy finish. This cocktail is a delightful twist on the classic Basil Smash, infused with the unique flavors of Thai basil.
When I come up with recipes, I get inspired by flavors from around the world. You guys know I LOVE Thai cuisine, and recently, I made a trip to the Asian market to restock my home and picked up a pack of Thai basil. I wanted to make sure I used it while it was fresh. I’ve often heard about gin basil smash cocktails with Italian basil and thought it would be fun to create a unique twist using Thai basil. The flavor of Thai basil is distinct, offering a fresh and aromatic profile that’s perfect for a cocktail, but different from the traditional Italian basil used in most gin basil smashes.
If you’re looking to switch things up this summer you have to try this Thai Basil Gin Smash. It’s refreshing and so fun!
What Does Thai Basil Taste Like?
Thai basil has a really fresh flavor but with an anise/licorice-like flavor. It’s used throughout Thai cuisine, and I knew I wanted to use it to make a refreshing summer cocktail.
The other day I was looking through my home bar and noticed I was out of a lot of my go-to alcohol, but I did have gin. I realized I’ve never made a gin cocktail. So I started doing research on classic gin cocktails and loved the sound of a Basil gin smash.
So here’s to my first Gin cocktail on the blog with a Thai inspired twist!
Why you’ll enjoy this Thai Basil Gin Smash?
- It’s refreshing: using both lemon and lime gives this cocktail the perfect amount of tart, that compliments the Thai basil and sweetness from the simple syrup so well.
- Easy to make: You can whip up this delicious and refreshing cocktail in under 10 minutes.
- Customizable: Feel free to add additional fruit to the mix to create a flavored gin smash.
It’s super tasty and refreshing. Let’s make it.
What you’ll need to make this Thai Basil Gin Smash?
- Thai Basil: Found in most grocery stores. I like to buy mine at the Asian Market as I get a better bang for my buck.
- Simple Syrup: equal parts sugar/water.
- Gin: I used Violet and Frog.
- Lemon & Lime Juice: I used both lemon and lime juice. Feel free to play with Yuzu if you can get your hands on it.
- Ice: use a large piece of ice for shaking and crushed ice for serving. The large ice will help break down the basil leaves when shaking.
Can I Use Italian basil?
You can absolutely use Italian basil in place of Thai basil. The flavor will be a little different but it will be a nice flavor.
Recipe Tips/Variations
- Use a large ice cube to shake the cocktail. This helps breakdown the basil.
- Adjust the simple syrup amount based on your sweetness preference. Add more citrus or less simple syrup for a more tart flavor.
- Chill the serving glass prior to serving to keep the cocktail chilled longer.
- Add flavor. Feel free to add Strawberry or Berry flavor for a little razzle dazzle.
- Yuzu: If you can get your hands on it, Sub the lime and lemon with Yuzu.
- For a slightly different flavor, you can experiment by adding a splash of elderflower liqueur.
- If you prefer a stronger basil flavor, use more leaves or let the basil sit in the gin for a few minutes before muddling.
More Summer Drinks Recipes
Frozen Mango Pineapple Margarita
If you make these Thai Basil Gin Smash, please be sure to leave a comment, and or tag me on Instagram @cookwithci. I would love to see your recreations and hear your thoughts.
Thai Basil Gin Smash
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- Muddler
Ingredients
- 2 oz Gin
- 6 leaves Thai Basil
- 3/4 oz simple syrup adjust to taste
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 1 lime juice
- club soda or sprite
- Large cube of ice
For garnish
- lemon juice
- sugar
- sprig of Thai basil
- lemon wheel
- crushed ice
Instructions
- Rim your glass of choice with lemon juice, then dip it into sugar to coat the rim evenly. Place the glass in the freezer until ready to serve.
- Add Thai basil leaves, lemon juice and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle down to release the oils and aroma. Pour in the gin, simple syrup, a large piece of ice and shake the cocktail for a few seconds.
- Double strain into a glasses, add crushed ice. Top with club soda or sprite.
- Garnish with fresh Thai basil and lemon wheel and enjoy!
- Serve immediately and enjoy Thai Basil Gin Smash!
Notes
- Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then let it cool. Store in the refrigerator.
Did you make it?
Tag @cookwithci on Instagram and hashtag #CookwithCi
