Citrus-Basil Mezcal Smash
Smoky mezcal balanced with fresh citrus juices and aromatic basil leaves for a garden-fresh twist on a classic smash. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice 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 180 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 mezcal
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- as needed crushed ice
- 1 sprig for garnish basil sprig
- 1 twist for garnish grapefruit twist
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh basil leaves in a cocktail shaker and gently muddle them to release their aroma without tearing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.75 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with a sprig of basil and a grapefruit twist expressed over the drink and rested on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Basil Mezcal 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 Citrus-Basil Mezcal Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover citrus-basil mezcal 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 Citrus-Basil Mezcal 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 Citrus-Basil Mezcal 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 Citrus-Basil Mezcal 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.
