Thai Basil Smash – If you love cocktails that highlight fresh, aromatic herbs, the Thai Basil Smash is a drink that deserves a place in your repertoire. Inspired by the classic gin basil smash but with an exotic twist, this cocktail combines the fragrant, slightly spicy flavor of Thai basil with crisp gin, citrus, and a touch of sweetness for balance.
Thai basil differs from traditional sweet basil in its flavor profile—it carries subtle notes of anise, pepper, and clove, which pair exceptionally well with botanicals in gin. The result is a cocktail that feels refreshing, bright, and layered with herbal depth. Perfect for summer evenings, outdoor gatherings, or whenever you want a sophisticated yet approachable drink, the Thai Basil Smash is easy to make and incredibly rewarding.
Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Cuisines: Modern Cocktail / Fusion
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Course: Drinks / Cocktails
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Servings: 1 glass
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Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
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Total Time: 5–7 minutes
Equipment Needed
To prepare the perfect Thai Basil Smash, you’ll need:
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Cocktail shaker
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Muddler
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Jigger (for measuring spirits and syrups)
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Fine mesh strainer (for smoother consistency)
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Rocks glass or short tumbler
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Bar spoon
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Knife and cutting board (for garnishes)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one serving:
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2 oz gin (London Dry or herbaceous gin works best)
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0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
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0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water ratio)
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6–8 fresh Thai basil leaves
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Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
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Optional garnish: Thai basil sprig, lemon wheel
Instructions
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Prepare the Thai basil:
Pluck fresh Thai basil leaves from the stems. Add them to a cocktail shaker. -
Muddle gently:
Use a muddler to press the basil leaves lightly. Avoid over-muddling, which can make the drink bitter—just enough to release the essential oils and aroma. -
Add the liquids:
Pour in the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup. -
Shake with ice:
Add ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until the mixture is well chilled. -
Strain:
Double strain (using both a cocktail strainer and fine mesh strainer) into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice. This step keeps the drink smooth without excess basil bits. -
Garnish:
Add a sprig of Thai basil or a lemon wheel for a beautiful, aromatic finish. -
Serve immediately:
Enjoy your Thai Basil Smash while it’s fresh and fragrant.
Nutrition
| Nutrient |
Amount (Approx.)
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| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sugars | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
| Alcohol | ~14 g |
Flavor Notes and Variations
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Flavor Profile: Herbal, citrusy, and slightly sweet. The Thai basil brings spicy and anise-like undertones, while gin adds botanical sharpness. Lemon juice brightens the drink, and syrup balances everything.
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Variations:
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Use lime juice instead of lemon for a zestier Southeast Asian vibe.
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Replace simple syrup with honey syrup for richer sweetness.
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Add a splash of soda water for a lighter, more refreshing version.
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Swap gin for vodka if you prefer a cleaner, less botanical spirit.
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Tips for Success
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Use fresh Thai basil: This recipe truly shines when you use fresh, vibrant basil leaves. Avoid wilted or old leaves.
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Balance sweetness: Adjust the syrup amount based on your personal taste. If your basil is very strong, a little extra sweetness can help balance it.
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Chill your glass: Serving the cocktail in a pre-chilled glass enhances its refreshing qualities.
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Experiment with gin styles: A floral or herbaceous gin can highlight basil beautifully, while a dry gin creates a crisp, sharp drink.
When to Serve
The Thai Basil Smash is versatile and fits many occasions:
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Summer parties and BBQs
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Cocktail hour with friends
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Dinner parties with Asian-inspired menus
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Romantic evenings or special celebrations
It’s an especially great drink for anyone who enjoys herbal, garden-fresh cocktails that feel both sophisticated and approachable.
Conclusion
The Thai Basil Smash is a cocktail that captures freshness, complexity, and elegance in a single glass. With just a few ingredients—gin, citrus, syrup, and Thai basil—you can craft a drink that tastes like it came straight from a craft cocktail bar. Its herbal complexity makes it stand out, while its simplicity ensures anyone can make it at home
