Mediterranean Herb Gin Smash
A crisp gin cocktail infused with fresh Mediterranean herbs and bright lemon, perfect for a light, herbaceous sip. This cocktails & drinks ready in about 6 minutes brings together 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 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
- 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water)
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 fresh thyme sprig
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 lemon wheel
- 1 (for garnish) basil leaf
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, gently muddle 6 fresh basil leaves and 1 thyme sprig with 0.5 oz simple syrup to release their aroma.
- Step 2: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the brim, then pour 2 oz gin and 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice over the ice.
- Step 3: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove herb bits.
- Step 5: Garnish by floating a lemon wheel on the surface and resting a fresh basil leaf on top for a fragrant finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Herb 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 Mediterranean Herb Gin Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover mediterranean herb 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 Mediterranean Herb 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 Mediterranean Herb 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 Mediterranean Herb Gin 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.
