St. Louis Citrus Basil Smash
A refreshing, herbaceous cocktail blending bright citrus with fresh basil for a vibrant, garden-inspired sip. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 5 minutes pairs gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup (1:1) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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 lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1)
- 6 leaves fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz club soda
Instructions
- Step 1: In a shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh basil leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the herbal oils without tearing the leaves.
- Step 2: Add 2 oz gin and 1 oz fresh lemon juice to the shaker. Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim.
- Step 3: Shake vigorously for 12 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
- Step 4: Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda for a touch of effervescence.
- Step 6: Slap a fresh basil leaf between your hands to release aroma and use as garnish, resting it on top of the drink.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does St. Louis Citrus Basil Smash take to make?
Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover St. Louis Citrus Basil Smash?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in St. Louis Citrus 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 St. Louis Citrus 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 St. Louis Citrus Basil Smash?
Cocktails quick meals 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.
