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
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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
