Breathwork Basil Smash
A vibrant, herbaceous cocktail combining fresh basil and zesty lemon for a calming yet invigorating sip reflecting deep breathing exercises. This cocktails & beverages-inspired quick meals ready in about 6 minutes pairs Gin, Fresh lemon juice, Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 Gin
- 1 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- as needed Ice cubes
- 1 for garnish Basil sprig
- 1 for garnish Lemon wheel
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 8 fresh basil leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add 3/4 oz simple syrup and gently muddle to release the basil's aroma.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker along with ice cubes filling it halfway.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and aromatic.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes.
- Step 5: Garnish with a fresh basil sprig twisted slightly and a lemon wheel resting on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Breathwork Basil Smash take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Breathwork Basil Smash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Breathwork 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 Breathwork 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 Breathwork Basil Smash?
Cocktails & Beverages quick meals 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.
