Bourbon Basil Smash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A herbaceous, citrus-forward cocktail featuring bourbon, fresh basil, and a smooth lemon finish. This recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together Bourbon, Lemon juice, 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 225 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.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 225 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, combine 4 fresh basil leaves, 2 oz bourbon, 3/4 oz lemon juice, and 1/2 oz simple syrup. Muddle gently for 10 seconds until basil releases oils and aroma.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 cup crushed ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well-chilled and diluted.
  3. Step 3: Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with 1 cup crushed ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bourbon Basil Smash take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 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 Bourbon Basil Smash?

Refrigerate any leftover bourbon basil 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 Bourbon Basil 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 Bourbon Basil 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 Bourbon Basil Smash?

Cocktails 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.

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