Ginger-Lime Basil Gin Smash
A lively, herbaceous gin cocktail brightened with zesty lime and spicy ginger, muddled with fresh basil for a fragrant, refreshing drink. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together gin, fresh lime 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 140 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 gin
- 1 oz fresh lime 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 and gently muddle to release the basil’s aroma without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin and 1 oz fresh lime juice to the mixing glass, then fill with ice cubes.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 20 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir once gently to combine.
- Step 6: Garnish with a small basil sprig and a thin lime wheel tucked on the rim.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Lime Basil Gin 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-Lime Basil Gin Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover ginger-lime basil gin 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-Lime Basil Gin 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-Lime Basil Gin 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-Lime Basil Gin 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.
