Bourbon Basil Smash
A modern classic that brilliantly marries American whiskey tradition with vibrant, herbaceous character. This descendant of the Gin Basil Smash swaps botanical gin for bourbon's rich vanilla and caramel, creating a refreshing yet complex cocktail.
25%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
rocks
Glass
History & Heritage
“The Bourbon Basil Smash is a direct adaptation of the Gin Basil Smash, created in 2008 by Jörg Meyer at Le Lion Bar de Paris in Hamburg, Germany. Meyer's creation was inspired by Dale DeGroff's modern revival of the 19th-century Whiskey Smash. The bourbon version emerged naturally during the craft cocktail renaissance as bartenders experimented with substituting different spirits in the successful gin template, bringing the basil-and-lemon combination back to its American whiskey roots while showcasing the versatility of the "smash" formula.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a double old-fashioned glass in the freezer
Place fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker
Add simple syrup and muddle basil gently with a twisting motion to release oils
Add bourbon and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the shaker
Fill shaker three-quarters full with ice cubes
Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until outside is well-frosted
Fill chilled glass with fresh ice (preferably one large cube)
Double strain through Hawthorne and fine-mesh strainer into the glass
Garnish with a fresh basil sprig, gently slapped to release aroma
Glassware
Served over ice in a double old-fashioned glass
Garnish
Gently slap against palm to release aroma before placing
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use high-rye bourbon (90-105 proof) for spicy backbone to complement basil
Muddle gently - aggressive mashing releases bitter chlorophyll
Double straining is essential to remove basil fragments
Fresh basil and lemon juice are non-negotiable for proper flavor
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Bourbon Basil Smash.
Spirit-Forward
Increase bourbon to 2.5 oz for more robust whiskey character.
Changes
Extra Herbaceous
Use 15-20 basil leaves for more pronounced herbal character.
Changes
Strawberry Basil Smash
Add muddled fresh strawberries for a fruity twist.
Changes
Spicy Basil Smash
Muddle jalapeño slices with basil for heat.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Appletini
A neon-green vodka martini flavored with sour apple schnapps – sweet, tart, and playful.
Boston Sour
A whiskey sour with a silky crown—bourbon, lemon, and simple syrup shaken with egg white for a classic foam.
Bourbon and Famous
A theoretical but compelling variation of the modern classic Naked and Famous, substituting bourbon for mezcal to create a rich, warming cocktail with notes of caramel, spice, herbs, and a bittersweet citrus finish.