Popular Raspberry Basil Smash
A vibrant mix of fresh raspberries and basil with crisp gin creates a refreshing and herbaceous cocktail. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together gin, fresh raspberries, leaves fresh basil leaves 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 165 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
- 6 fresh raspberries
- 5 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, muddle 6 fresh raspberries and 5 fresh basil leaves gently to release flavors without pulverizing.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz simple syrup to the shaker.
- Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until frosty.
- Step 4: Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass to remove seeds and basil bits.
- Step 5: Garnish with a single fresh basil leaf floated on top and 2 raspberries skewered on a cocktail pick.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Popular Raspberry Basil Smash take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Popular Raspberry Basil Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover popular raspberry 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 Popular Raspberry 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 Popular Raspberry 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 Popular Raspberry Basil 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.
