Citrus-Spiced Thai Basil Smash
A refreshing cocktail featuring Thai basil's herbaceous notes balanced with bright citrus and a hint of warming spice. This cocktails-inspired thai ready in about 8 minutes pairs leaves Thai basil leaves, Gin, Fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 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
- 8 leaves Thai basil leaves
- 2 oz Gin
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz Simple syrup
- a pinch Ground white pepper
- 2 oz Club soda
Instructions
- Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 8 Thai basil leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the herb oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and a pinch of ground white pepper to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until well chilled.
- Step 4: Double strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes to keep the drink crisp.
- Step 5: Top with 2 oz club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon for 10 seconds to combine without losing carbonation.
- Step 6: Garnish with a small sprig of Thai basil and a thin lime wheel twisted and rested on the glass rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Spiced Thai Basil Smash take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Citrus-Spiced Thai 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 leaves thai basil leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Spiced Thai 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 Citrus-Spiced Thai 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 Citrus-Spiced Thai Basil Smash?
Cocktails thai 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.
