Orange-Basil Whiskey Smash
A herbaceous and citrus-forward cocktail featuring whiskey balanced with fresh basil and orange notes. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice 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 190 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
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- 5 leaves basil leaves
- 0.5 oz honey syrup
- as needed ice cubes
- 1 strip orange peel strip
- 1 sprig fresh basil sprig
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 5 fresh basil leaves and 0.5 oz honey syrup into a shaker and gently muddle to release basil oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 1 oz fresh orange juice, and 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Fill with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 4: Double strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes.
- Step 5: Express an orange peel strip over the surface, twisting to release oils, then rest it on the rim.
- Step 6: Garnish by placing a fresh basil sprig upright alongside the peel.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Orange-Basil Whiskey Smash take to make?
Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Orange-Basil Whiskey Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover orange-basil whiskey 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 Orange-Basil Whiskey 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 Orange-Basil Whiskey 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 Orange-Basil Whiskey 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.
