Why do basil and gin go together so brilliantly?

The secret to the Basil Smash is the synergy between the botanicals in gin and the aromatic oils of fresh basil. The spicy, slightly peppery flavor of basil enhances the juniper and herbal notes in gin, while citrus ties everything together. The result is a cocktail that is fresh, herbaceous, and complex — without being complicated.

How do you make the perfect Basil Smash?

Muddle the basil well — Use 8-10 large basil leaves and press them firmly in the shaker. You want to release the oils and juice. Shake vigorously — The basil needs to mix thoroughly with the other ingredients. Shake for at least 15-20 seconds. Double strain — Use both the shaker's strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to filter out all basil particles. You want a smooth, clear cocktail.

What variations are there on the basil smash?

Vodka Basil Smash — For a more neutral flavour profile that really lets the basil shine. Spicy Basil Smash — Add a slice of jalapeño to the muddle for a spicy kick. Strawberry Basil Smash — Muddle a few strawberries for a fruity, summery twist. Mocktail version — Replace the gin with an alcohol-free spirit and enjoy all the herbaceous freshness without the alcohol.

Basil Smash

Name: Basil Smash
Prep time: 2 min
Total time: 2 min
Yield: 1 serving
Cuisine: Cocktail
Ingredients: 5 cl Nomuss Basil Smash Mix; 5cl gin; optional foam drops

Ingredients:

5cl Nomuss Basil Smash Mix

5cl of gin

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Description:

Pour 5 cl of Nomuss Basil Smash Mix into a cocktail shaker.
Add 5 cl of gin.
Add ice cubes.
Shake the ingredients for about 20 seconds.
Pour out and garnish with fresh basil

Taste it now!

The Gin Basil Smash: Herbal Elegance from Hamburg

The Gin Basil Smash is a modern classic created in 2008 by German bartender Jörg Meyer at his bar Le Lion in Hamburg. Unlike many classics, you don't have to go back centuries for the origin of this cocktail—and yet the Basil Smash has quickly established itself as a staple on cocktail menus worldwide. With Nomuss Basil Smash Mix, you can make it at home in seconds.

Why basil and gin go together so brilliantly

The secret of the Basil Smash is the synergy between the botanicals of gin and the aromatic oils of fresh basil. The herbaceous, slightly peppery taste of basil enhances the juniper and herbal notes in gin, while citrus ties everything together. The result is a cocktail that is fresh, herbaceous, and complex—without being complicated.

How to make the perfect Basil Smash?

Muddle the basil well — Use 8-10 large basil leaves and press them firmly in the shaker. You want to release the oils and juice.
Shake vigorously — The basil should be well mixed with the other ingredients. Shake for at least 15-20 seconds.
Double strain — Use both the shaker strainer and a fine-mesh strainer to filter out all basil particles. You want a smooth, clear cocktail.
Optional: add Nomuss Foam Drops — A few drops in the shaker create a subtle foam layer that elevates the presentation.

Variations of the Basil Smash

Basil Smash with vodka — For a more neutral flavor profile that allows the basil to shine even more.
Spicy Basil Smash — Add a slice of jalapeño to the muddle for a spicy kick.
Basil-strawberry Smash — Muddle a few strawberries for a fruity, summery variation.
Mocktail version — Replace the gin with a non-alcoholic spirit and enjoy all the herbaceous freshness without alcohol.

The ideal occasion

The Basil Smash is the perfect cocktail for a summer evening. Serve it with a Mediterranean dinner, a barbecue with Italian dishes, or simply as a refreshing after-work drink. Its green color and herbal profile also make it an excellent choice for a garden party.

Why Nomuss Basil Smash Mix?

With Nomuss Basil Smash Mix, you have the perfect base: citrus, sweetness, and basil flavor in the right proportions. Add gin, shake, and you'll have a bar-worthy Basil Smash without the hassle. One bottle yields about 15 cocktails.