Ginger Basil Bourbon Smash
A refreshing bourbon cocktail brightened by spicy ginger and fragrant basil, crushed and muddled to release vibrant herbal aromas. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together Bourbon whiskey, Fresh lemon juice, Ginger 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 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 Bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz Ginger syrup
- 6 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz Club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 6 fresh basil leaves and 3/4 oz ginger syrup into a mixing glass. Gently muddle the basil with a muddler to release oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice into the mixing glass. Fill with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and blend flavors without over-diluting.
- Step 4: Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh crushed ice.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda to add a light fizz.
- Step 6: Slap a small basil sprig between your hands to release aroma and use it as garnish resting on the ice.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger Basil Bourbon Smash take to make?
Total time is about 6 minutes (6 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 Ginger Basil Bourbon Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger basil bourbon 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 Ginger Basil Bourbon 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 Ginger Basil Bourbon 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 Ginger Basil Bourbon 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.
