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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
