Blueberry Basil Smash

Smash cocktails are having a moment, and our blueberry basil smash cocktail tastes—and looks—like summer. To make it, we muddle garden-fresh blueberries with sweet maple syrup and fresh basil, then shake that with lemon juice and bourbon, making each sip sweet, fresh-tasting and boozy all at the same time.

In cocktail terms, a smash is a type of drink built around fresh fruit, herbs, a spirit, citrus and a sweetener, all muddled together for a bright, refreshing, slightly rustic sipper. Think of a smash as the effortlessly cool cousin of a julep. It’s less structured than a berry liqueur-heavy bramble, and it doesn’t have the crushed-ice theatrics of a swizzle.

Since it’s a casual patio cocktail, I refuse to be precious about it: I’m shaking this blueberry basil smash, dumping it into a glass, and then tossing some berries and basil on top for flair. Simple and singular, but spectacular, this blueberry basil smash is my cocktail of the summer that I’ll prep every time I want to read a good book in my favorite Adirondack chair.

Blueberry Basil Smash Ingredients

• Fresh basil leaves: Basil gives this cocktail its signature garden fresh aroma and herbal backbone. Both sweet and lemon are types of basil that would work well. Just look for vibrant green leaves without dark spots.
• Fresh blueberries: Blueberries provide juicy sweetness, gorgeous color and the essential ingredient for smashing! Plump, firm berries work best here, and in-season summer bluebs will absolutely outperform bland off-season ones.
• Maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a richer, slightly earthy sweetness over standard simple syrup, and it pairs beautifully with bourbon. Use pure maple syrup vs. pancake syrup for a more authentic flavor that skips corn syrup fillers.
• Fresh lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the whole cocktail and balances the sweetness with tart, citrus zip. Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is non-negotiable here—bottled lemon juice simply cannot compete.
• Bourbon: Bourbon gives the blueberry basil smash warmth, vanilla notes and a little caramel complexity. Choose a mid-range bourbon you’d happily sip; save the fancy, spendy bottle for straight pours.

Directions

Step 1: Muddle the blueberries, basil and maple syrup

Add the blueberries, basil and maple syrup to an empty cocktail shaker. Muddle until the berries are thoroughly smashed and the basil is fragrant.

Step 2: Add ice, lemon juice and bourbon

Add ice, lemon juice and bourbon to the shaker. Shake until thoroughly chilled, 15 to 20 seconds.

Step 3: Pour into chilled glass

Without straining, pour the shaken cocktail into an old-fashioned glass.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Garnish each cocktail with a basil leaf and a few fresh blueberries. Serve immediately.

Blueberry Basil Smash Variations

• Switch up the spirit: Swap in vodka instead of bourbon for a lighter, cleaner cocktail that really lets the blueberry and basil flavors shine, or try a rye whiskey that has a little more zippy spice.
• Make a blueberry basil simple syrup: Homemade simple syrup is a snap to prep, and making a flavored version takes only a couple extra steps. Simmer blueberries, sugar and basil together to create a deeply infused syrup, then skip the muddling for an ultra-smooth cocktail experience.
• Strain the muddled fruit and herbs: If you prefer a cleaner texture, double strain the cocktail with a Hawthorne strainer and a fine strainer over fresh ice, or serve it in a coupe cocktail glass for a martini-inspired presentation.
• Add sparkling water: Top it with a splash of club soda for a fizzy, slightly lighter version that feels extra-refreshing on hot days.

How to Make Blueberry Basil Smash Cocktails for a Crowd

These smashes really are best made fresh and individually, especially if you want the berries and basil in the drink. But if you do want to make a batched cocktail recipe for parties, muddle a larger quantity of the blueberry and basil with the maple syrup. Stir in the lemon juice and strain out the larger bits of berries and herb, otherwise the texture will suffer and the basil will brown.

You can do this a few hours ahead, then refrigerate it until serving time. When guests arrive, shake individual servings with bourbon and ice for the freshest flavor, or stir the batch with bourbon in a pitcher and serve over ice. The blueberry-basil base can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the basil flavor is brightest on day one.

Blueberry Basil Smash Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a blueberry basil smash?

An old-fashioned glass is the classic choice for a blueberry basil smash, giving it that relaxed rustic cocktail feel. For a more polished presentation, a coupe glass also works beautifully when the drink is strained and served.

Can you use frozen fruit for a blueberry basil smash?

For sure! Frozen blueberries can absolutely work in a blueberry basil smash, especially when fresh berries aren’t in season. Thaw them slightly before muddling so they release their juices more easily into the bourbon cocktail.