All, Cocktails, Recipes

Cucumber Basil Smash

By Casa de Suna

Published Jul 17

Botanical and refreshing, this gin smash is a summer cooldown in cocktail form.

Fresh basil balances out the hydrating cucumber, and if you’re looking for a little extra kick, green chillies add a wonderful hit of spice. If you’re using Elderflower liqueur instead of Lillet, start with 3 tbsp sugar instead of ¼ cup, and increase accordingly to suit your sweet tooth.

How to Make It

Difficulty: Easy

Overall Time: 15 min

Prep Time: 15 min

Serves: 2

Ingredients

4 mini cucumbers
2 large basil sprigs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup lime juice
4 oz botanical gin, such as Hendrick’s
2 oz Lillet or elderflower liqueur, such as St. Germain
Ice cubes
Sparkling water
Basil sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

Halve one cucumber lengthwise. Peel long ribbons of cucumber from the cut-side. Set aside on a plate. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Chop remaining cucumbers.
Add chopped cucumber, basil sprigs and sugar to a medium bowl. Crush with a cocktail muddler or pestle until coarsely mashed and sugar dissolves.
Stir in lime juice, gin and Lillet. Use right away or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours.
Strain cucumber-mixture through a fine meshed sieve into a liquid measuring cup.
Arrange cucumber slices around the insides of two large glasses. Fill glasses halfway with ice, then add cucumber-mixture. Top with sparkling water. Garnish with more basil sprigs.