Lemon Basil Smash + Herb Infused Cocktails

By Kate Riley May 21, 2020

I love herb infused cocktails. As I write this post the Thursday evening before Memorial Day Weekend, I am sipping this delicious Lemon Basil Smash cocktail concoction! A local restaurant in my town makes a rosemary infused grapefruit cocktail that I love, and I can’t turn down a mint julep! Any cocktail that mixes citrus with fresh herbs is a favorite, especially in summer!

There’s something about sipping a herb infused cocktail right before a barbeque that just sets the mood as a prelude to a summer feast combining grilled meats and garden vegetables. This simple preparation using a lemon + basil infused simple syrup + citron vodka combo is a favorite of mine.

 

This simple recipe combines basil infused simple syrup (instructions below) with citron vodka and a squeeze of lemon with smashed fresh basil over tons of ice. It’s so light and delicious!

To make this cocktail, gather these ingredients: 1) citron vodka 2) fresh lemon, 3) fresh basil, 4) granulated sugar, 5) ice 6) cocktail shaker 7) measuring tool for ounces, and 8) cocktail picks (optional).

To make the basil infused simple syrup, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water and a small handful (6-8 leaves) of fresh basil. Bring to a boil in a saucepan and boil for 1 minute to melt sugar. Stir, remove from heat, and allow to cool. Pour mixture over mesh strainer (to remove basil) into glass container. Simple syrup will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks.

The decorative cocktail pick is optional, to make it simply combine a slice of lemon with a fresh basil leaf and place it in each glass.

 

 

To make one lemon basil smash, combine 2 cups of ice in a cocktail shaker with 2 oz. of citron vodka, ¾ oz. of basil infused simple syrup, and a few fresh basil leaves. Add a squeeze of half a lemon.

 

Shake vigorously and pour the entire mixture into an old fashioned style glass. Enjoy!

 

If you’re thirsting for more, here are a few more citrus/fruit + herb cocktail medleys to mix:

honeydew melon + basil = honeydew spritzer

cucumber + celery + lime + lemongrass = grassed word

basil + lime + peach + ginger = eternal sunshine

cherries + mint = cherry mint julep

lavender + lemon + basil =  summer garden gin fizz

lime + watermelon + mint = watermelon mojito

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Cheers! Have a great weekend everyone!

4 comments

  1. This is perfect timing, as the weather here is finally supposed to dry up and get nice and warm and sunny next week! I will definitely be trying out one of these cocktails on my deck ASAP! Thanks for the great ideas, as usual!

  2. I made a great cocktail with cola, basil and lime. I call it the Faulty Basil :)

  3. Now try Gin + Lemon Thyme + Tonic + crushed ice: FABULOUS! The lemon herbs are so great because you get the herby flavor, but not so intensely that it takes over. Enjoy!

  4. I can’t wait to try this! I have celiac, so I may have to use Titos instead of citron absolute. Should I add more lemon or will the plain vodka be good enough with the other ingredients? Thanks in advance!

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