Blackberry Basil Smash Recipe Guide
Blackberry Basil Smash
Equipment
- Equipment Needed:
- Muddler
- Shaker
- Jigger (or measuring spoons)
- Strainer
- Glass (such as a highball or rocks glass)
- Ice
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Cocktail:
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz 30 ml fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz 30 ml simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 oz 60 ml gin (or vodka for a milder flavor)
- Ice cubes
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil sprig
- Extra blackberries optional
Instructions
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Fresh blackberries and basil are key to making this cocktail stand out.
- Step 2: Muddle the Blackberries and Basil
- In a shaker, add the blackberries and basil leaves. Use a muddler to gently mash them together, releasing the juices and essential oils. You want to break them down but not completely pulverize them. This should take about 30 seconds.
- Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a bit more syrup. Then, add the gin (or vodka) to the mixture.
- Step 4: Shake It Up
- Add ice to the shaker and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture and combine the flavors.
- Step 5: Strain and Serve
- Fill your glass with ice and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass. This will help keep out any bits of blackberry and basil.
- Step 6: Garnish
- Finish your cocktail by garnishing with a fresh basil sprig and a couple of blackberries on top. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the drink's aroma.
- Step 7: Enjoy!
- Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and delightful scent before taking your first sip. You’re now ready to enjoy a refreshing Blackberry Basil Smash!
- Variations
- Herb Swaps: Try using mint instead of basil for a different herbal twist.
- Fruit Combinations: Experiment with other berries like raspberries or strawberries for a berry smash variation.
- Mocktail Version: Replace the gin with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
Are you ready to shake things up with a refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for any occasion? The Blackberry Basil Smash is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. From my own personal experience, this drink captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. Let me show you how I make this delightful cocktail.
Meal Facts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Time to Stand: 5 minutes (to let the flavors meld)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 1
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories
- Cost of Ingredients: About $5–$7 (depending on local prices)
- Equipment Needed:
- Muddler
- Shaker
- Jigger (or measuring spoons)
- Strainer
- Glass (such as a highball or rocks glass)
- Ice
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Blackberry Basil Smash here
Ingredients
- For the Cocktail:
- 6-8 fresh blackberries
- 4-5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 2 oz (60 ml) gin (or vodka for a milder flavor)
- Ice cubes
- For Garnish:
- Fresh basil sprig
- Extra blackberries (optional)
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Blackberry Basil Smash here
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and equipment. Fresh blackberries and basil are key to making this cocktail stand out.
Step 2: Muddle the Blackberries and Basil
In a shaker, add the blackberries and basil leaves. Use a muddler to gently mash them together, releasing the juices and essential oils. You want to break them down but not completely pulverize them. This should take about 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the fresh lemon juice and simple syrup. If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, you can add a bit more syrup. Then, add the gin (or vodka) to the mixture.
Step 4: Shake It Up
Add ice to the shaker and secure the lid. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill the mixture and combine the flavors.
Step 5: Strain and Serve
Fill your glass with ice and strain the cocktail mixture into the glass. This will help keep out any bits of blackberry and basil.
Step 6: Garnish
Finish your cocktail by garnishing with a fresh basil sprig and a couple of blackberries on top. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the drink’s aroma.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors and delightful scent before taking your first sip. You’re now ready to enjoy a refreshing Blackberry Basil Smash.
Variations
- Herb Swaps: Try using mint instead of basil for a different herbal twist.
- Fruit Combinations: Experiment with other berries like raspberries or strawberries for a berry smash variation.
- Mocktail Version: Replace the gin with sparkling water for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.
- Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making #Blackberry Basil Smash here
Tips and Substitutions
- Simple Syrup: To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves, then cool. Store in the fridge for up to a month.
- Dietary Needs: If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute for the simple syrup.
- Freshness: Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. If fresh blackberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones, but let them thaw before using.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugars: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Sweet: If the cocktail turns out too sweet, add more lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Not Fruity Enough: Increase the number of blackberries or let them muddle longer to extract more flavor.
- Overwhelming Basil Flavor: Start with fewer basil leaves and adjust to taste. Basil can be quite potent.
Hi!
I’m Mike, the creator of Forum Foodies. In my own personal experience, understanding ingredients is key to great cooking.
Forum Foodies offers guides on various ingredients, from staples to exotic finds. Join our community, share your experiences, and learn from fellow food lovers.
Have questions or suggestions? Email me at info@forumfoodies.com. Let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Happy cooking.
Mike/