Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash
A lively, fruity smash cocktail featuring muddled blackberries and fresh basil for a popular balance of sweet and herbaceous notes. This cocktails & drinks-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together vodka, fresh blackberries, leaves fresh basil leaves for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 160 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 5 pieces fresh blackberries
- 4 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- as needed crushed ice
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, add 5 fresh blackberries and 4 basil leaves, then muddle gently to release juices and aromas without pulverizing the basil.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz vodka, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with crushed ice and stir vigorously for 20 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with a small basil sprig and a blackberry skewered on a cocktail pick resting on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover blackberry-basil vodka smash in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Blackberry-Basil Vodka Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks cocktails & drinks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
