This pineapple basil gin smash uses 2 ounces gin, pineapple juice, lime, simple syrup and fresh basil. Gently muddle the basil, shake the drink with ice, then strain it over fresh ice. The recipe makes one cocktail.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces gin
  • 1 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup
  • 2 fresh basil leaves
  • Ice
  • 1 basil sprig and 1 pineapple leaf or wedge, for garnish

How to Make a Pineapple Basil Gin Smash

  1. Add the basil and lime juice to a shaker. Press the leaves gently a few times to release their aroma.
  2. Add the gin, pineapple juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake until cold, about 15 seconds.
  3. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a basil sprig and pineapple leaf or wedge.

What Makes This a Gin Smash?

Gin is the base spirit in this version. Pineapple juice brings the fruit, while lime and a small measure of syrup balance it. Muddling the basil lightly keeps torn leaves out of the finished glass.

For a different take with vodka, diced fresh pineapple and basil simple syrup, see the separate vodka Pineapple Basil Smash . If you are serving drinks with dinner, the cocktail-party menu has more ideas to put beside a single-serve recipe.