Wicked Citrus Basil Smash
A vibrant smash cocktail combining zesty citrus with aromatic basil for a refreshing and herbaceous experience. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together gin, fresh lime juice, fresh orange 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 160 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
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.5 oz fresh orange juice
- 8 leaves basil leaves
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz club soda
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing glass, muddle 8 fresh basil leaves gently with 0.75 oz simple syrup to release their aroma without bitterness.
- Step 2: Pour in 2 oz gin, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.5 oz fresh orange juice.
- Step 3: Fill the mixing glass with ice cubes to the top and stir gently with a bar spoon for 30 seconds to chill and dilute slightly.
- Step 4: Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with large clear ice cubes.
- Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda and stir once gently to lift the basil notes.
- Step 6: Garnish with a whole basil leaf lightly slapped between your palms to release oils and a thin wheel of orange perched on the glass rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wicked Citrus Basil 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 Wicked Citrus Basil Smash?
Refrigerate any leftover wicked citrus 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 Wicked 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 Wicked 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 Wicked Citrus 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.
