The Bourbon Basil Smash brings together the rich warmth of bourbon with the bright, aromatic punch of fresh basil.
This refreshing cocktail offers a perfect balance between sweet and herbal notes, making it an ideal choice for warm summer evenings or as a unique option for your next gathering.
Ready to elevate your home bartending skills? Let’s dive into this modern classic that’s taking cocktail menus by storm.
What Goes Into a Bourbon Basil Smash
A properly crafted Bourbon Basil Smash requires just a few quality ingredients:
- 2 oz bourbon whiskey
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 8-10 fresh basil leaves
- Ice cubes (for mixing and serving)
- Basil sprig for garnish
The quality of your bourbon matters here. Choose a mid-range bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes to complement the fresh basil. Brands like Buffalo Trace, Four Roses Small Batch, or Woodford Reserve work particularly well.
How to Mix the Perfect Bourbon Basil Smash
Making this cocktail involves a technique called “muddling” to release the basil’s essential oils. Follow these steps:
- Place basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker.
- Add simple syrup.
- Gently muddle the basil and syrup together. Press just enough to release the oils without shredding the leaves.
- Pour in bourbon and fresh lemon juice.
- Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well-chilled.
- Double-strain through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a fresh basil sprig.
The double-straining technique prevents small basil bits from floating in your drink while allowing the essential oils to pass through.
Can’t Find These Ingredients? Try These Substitutes
Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? Try these alternatives:
For bourbon:
- Rye whiskey for a spicier profile
- Tennessee whiskey for a slightly sweeter taste
For basil:
- Mint makes a great substitute (creating a whiskey-based Mojito)
- Thai basil for a more intense licorice note
For lemon juice:
- Lime juice works well but adds a different citrus dimension
- Meyer lemon juice for a sweeter citrus note
For simple syrup:
- Honey syrup (mix 3 parts honey with 1 part warm water)
- Maple syrup for a richer flavor profile
No muddler? Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the herbs.
Why the Bourbon Basil Smash Stands Out
What makes this cocktail special is how the herbal freshness of basil cuts through bourbon’s richness. The basil doesn’t just add flavor—it transforms the drink completely.
The bright green color makes it visually striking, while the aroma hits you before you take your first sip. Each element serves a purpose: bourbon provides depth, lemon adds brightness, simple syrup balances the sour notes, and basil ties everything together with aromatic complexity.
Unlike many whiskey cocktails that lean heavily on sweetness, the Bourbon Basil Smash maintains refreshing qualities while showcasing the bourbon’s character.
The Birth of the Bourbon Basil Smash
The Bourbon Basil Smash is a modern twist on the Whiskey Smash, a classic cocktail dating back to the late 1800s. The original Whiskey Smash was first documented in Jerry Thomas’s 1887 Bartenders Guide and typically included whiskey, sugar, water, and mint.
The basil variation gained popularity during the craft cocktail renaissance of the early 2010s. Bartenders looking to experiment with fresh herbs beyond mint discovered that basil pairs remarkably well with brown spirits.
While no single bartender claims definitive creation rights, the Bourbon Basil Smash emerged from the experimental cocktail scene in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Portland. It represents a perfect example of how classic recipes evolve to create new standards.
Today, you’ll find versions of this cocktail on menus worldwide, with each bar adding their own slight twist to the formula.
What Does the Bourbon Basil Smash Taste Like?
The first sip of a well-made Bourbon Basil Smash delivers multiple flavor waves:
- Initial taste: Bright lemon and aromatic basil hit first
- Mid-palate: Bourbon’s caramel and vanilla notes emerge
- Finish: A pleasant balance of sweet, sour, and herbal with bourbon warmth
The texture is silky yet refreshing, with the dilution from shaking providing the perfect balance. What makes this cocktail special is how the flavors evolve as you drink it and as the ice slowly melts.
Think of it as a flavor journey that starts bright and ends with bourbon’s deeper notes. The basil aroma continues to enhance each sip as you bring the glass to your lips.
How to Serve Your Bourbon Basil Smash
Present your Bourbon Basil Smash in style with these serving tips:
- Glass choice: Use a rocks glass or short tumbler
- Ice options: Large ice cube or sphere for slower dilution
- Temperature: Serve very cold
- Garnish: Fresh basil sprig that extends above the glass rim
For special occasions, consider these presentation upgrades:
- Chill glasses in the freezer beforehand
- Use clear ice for a more professional look
- Add a lemon wheel alongside the basil garnish
- Serve on a small napkin or coaster
The ideal serving time is during late afternoon or evening when the cocktail’s refreshing qualities can be fully appreciated.
Food Pairings That Elevate the Bourbon Basil Smash
The herbal and citrus notes in this cocktail make it versatile for food pairing. Try these appetizers:
- Southern-style appetizers:
- Fried green tomatoes
- Pimento cheese on crackers
- Mini crab cakes
- Cheese options:
- Aged cheddar
- Gouda
- Creamy brie
- Small bites:
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes
- Bourbon-glazed chicken skewers
- Stuffed mushrooms
For a complete happy hour spread, offer a selection of three contrasting appetizers alongside your Bourbon Basil Smash.
Alcohol Content of the Bourbon Basil Smash
The Bourbon Basil Smash falls into the medium-strength cocktail category. With 2 ounces of bourbon (typically 40-45% ABV), the finished drink has an approximate ABV of 20-23%.
This makes it stronger than a glass of wine but less potent than a straight spirit pour. The exact alcohol content varies based on:
- Proof of the bourbon you select
- Amount of dilution from ice while shaking
- Size of your pour (use a jigger for accuracy)
For guests concerned about alcohol content, you can adjust the recipe by using 1.5 oz of bourbon instead, which brings the ABV closer to 15-18%.
Nutritional Profile
For those tracking their intake, here’s what to expect from a standard Bourbon Basil Smash:
- Calories: Approximately 165-180 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 7-9g (primarily from simple syrup)
- Sugar: 6-8g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
The calorie count comes primarily from the bourbon and simple syrup. To create a lighter version:
- Reduce simple syrup to 1/4 oz
- Use a bourbon with lower proof
- Replace simple syrup with a natural sugar substitute
Remember that fresh basil adds negligible calories but brings enormous flavor, making this a relatively efficient cocktail from a flavor-to-calorie ratio perspective.
Make Your Bourbon Basil Smash Unique
Want to put your personal spin on this cocktail? Try these variations:
- Add 2-3 thin slices of cucumber for extra refreshment
- Infuse your simple syrup with lemongrass
- Float a few drops of orange bitters on top
- Flame an orange peel over the drink for a caramelized citrus aroma
- Try a split base of 1 oz bourbon and 1 oz aged rum
The Bourbon Basil Smash provides an excellent template for customization while maintaining its core identity.
Ready to mix this impressive yet simple cocktail? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy the perfect balance of bourbon and basil. Your home bar repertoire just got an upgrade.
