Glass Back Gin Basil Smash
A bright and herbal gin smash cocktail with fresh basil and crisp citrus, inspired by the sleek glass back and clean lines of the new iPhone SE 4. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together London dry gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) 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 London dry gin
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 8 leaves fresh basil leaves
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 sprig basil sprig
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, muddle 8 fresh basil leaves gently with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release aroma without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz London dry gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker frosts.
- Step 4: Double strain the cocktail into a chilled rocks glass filled with large clear ice cubes to maintain coldness and slow dilution.
- Step 5: Garnish by lightly slapped basil sprig placed upright in the glass to enhance herbal fragrance.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Glass Back Gin Basil 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 Glass Back Gin Basil Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover glass back gin 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 Glass Back Gin 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 Glass Back Gin 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 Glass Back Gin Basil Smash?
Cocktails & Drinks 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.
