Basil Smash

The Basil Smash is considered one of the most successful recipes in the modern cocktail world. Created in 2008 by renowned bartender Jörg Meyer from Le Lion Bar in Hamburg, Germany. It quickly became popular in European and international bars, achieving the status of a modern classic.

The starting point for this cocktail was a simple idea: To create a fresh gin cocktail with the flavor of fresh basil. At the time, cocktails using fresh herbs such as mojitos were very popular. Meyer developed a different interpretation by using the strong and aromatic character of basil instead of mint.

Basil Smash's success lies in its simplicity. It basically has a classic sour structure: a strong base spirit, fresh citrus juice and sweetener. However, fresh basil leaves add a very unique flavor layer to this structure. The green and herbal character of basil combines with the botanical notes of gin to create a very balanced drink.