Commoner's Citrus Basil Smash
A lively, herbaceous smash cocktail that balances zesty citrus and fresh basil, celebrating approachable flavors loved by many. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup 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
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz club soda
- 1 basil sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 6 fresh basil leaves gently with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the herb's aroma.
- Step 2: Fill the glass with ice cubes to the brim, then pour in 2 oz vodka and 1 oz fresh lime juice.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill without over-diluting.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda.
- Step 6: Garnish with a fresh basil sprig, slapped lightly between your hands to release oils, placed upright in the glass.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Commoner's Citrus Basil 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 Commoner's Citrus Basil Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover commoner's citrus 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 Commoner's Citrus 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 Commoner's Citrus 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 Commoner's Citrus 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.
