Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash: A Fresh, Fruity, Frosty Delight

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is the ultimate combination of fresh fruit, fragrant herbs, and a frosty gin-forward twist. This vibrant cocktail brings together the sweet-tart flavor of blueberries, the refreshing herbaceousness of basil, and the smooth botanicals of gin, all blended into a refreshing slush. It’s a perfect cocktail for hot summer days, offering a balance of sweetness, acidity, and cooling, herbal depth in every sip.

With its striking purple hue and aromatic basil garnish, the Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is not only a visual treat but a delicious one that brings the best of summer into a glass.

Quick Facts: Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash

Method: Blended
Flavor profile: Fruity, herbal, lightly sweet
How to serve it: Frozen, in a glass
Glassware: Rocks glass or tumbler
Alcohol content: ~ 8-10% ABV, depending on gin and dilution

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Ingredients

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash requires a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that create a cocktail bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 oz Gin (A gin with floral or citrus notes like Hendrick’s or Bombay Sapphire complements the blueberries well)
• 1 oz Fresh lemon juice (To add brightness and acidity)
• ¾ oz Simple syrup (Adjust to taste based on how sweet your blueberries are)
• ½ cup Fresh blueberries (Plus extra for garnish)
• 5-6 Fresh basil leaves (For muddling and garnish)
• 1-2 cups Crushed ice (For the perfect slushy texture)
• Lemon wheel or twist (For garnish)

Ingredient Notes:
The fresh blueberries provide a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness, while the basil adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the cocktail. The gin ties it all together with its botanical depth, and the lemon juice adds a zesty brightness. Be sure to use fresh basil and ripe blueberries for the best flavor.

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Equipment Needed

To craft this refreshing cocktail, you’ll need the following tools:

• Blender: Essential for blending the ice, blueberries, and gin into a smooth slush.
• Muddler: To crush the basil leaves and release their oils and aroma.
• Jigger: For measuring the gin, lemon juice, and syrup accurately.
• Citrus press or reamer: To juice the lemon.
• Rocks glass or tumbler: Perfect for serving the slushy cocktail.
• Bar spoon: To stir and incorporate the garnish gently.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create a perfectly refreshing Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash:

1. Muddle the basil: In a blender, add the fresh basil leaves along with a bit of the simple syrup. Use a muddler to crush the basil gently, releasing its fragrant oils and flavor.
2. Add the ingredients: Pour in the gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and fresh blueberries. Add 1-2 cups of crushed ice for a frosty consistency.
3. Blend the cocktail: Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and slushy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or lemon juice to thin it out slightly.
4. Serve: Pour the slushy mixture into a chilled rocks glass or tumbler. The vibrant purple color will be striking against the ice.
5. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with a few whole blueberries, a sprig of fresh basil, and a lemon wheel or twist for a pop of color and fragrance. Serve immediately to enjoy the drink at its frosty best.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash offers a bright and refreshing flavor profile, with sweet-tart blueberries complemented by the zesty lemon and fragrant basil. The gin’s herbal botanicals tie everything together, providing a smooth, slightly floral backbone that enhances the freshness of the basil and blueberries.

Each sip starts with the cool, slushy texture, followed by the fruity sweetness of the blueberries and the herbal notes of basil. The lemon juice adds a layer of brightness that lifts the entire cocktail, while the simple syrup balances the tartness of the berries. The drink’s frosty nature makes it incredibly refreshing, perfect for hot days or outdoor gatherings.

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Garnishing and Presentation

Presentation is key with the Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash, as the deep purple color of the drink, paired with the bright green basil and vibrant lemon, makes for a stunning visual.

For garnish, place a few whole blueberries on top of the slush, and add a sprig of fresh basil to accentuate the cocktail’s herbal notes. A lemon wheel or twist can be added to enhance the citrus aroma and provide a colorful contrast against the purple drink. If you want to get creative, you could even freeze blueberries in ice cubes and add them to the glass for an extra decorative touch.

Serve the drink in a chilled rocks glass or tumbler to keep the slushy texture intact, and use a colorful straw for a playful, summery vibe.

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Pairing Suggestions

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is light and refreshing, making it an excellent pairing for a variety of summer dishes. Here are some pairing ideas that enhance the cocktail’s fruity and herbal notes:

• Grilled chicken or fish: The light, herbaceous flavors of the cocktail pair beautifully with grilled meats, especially when seasoned with lemon and fresh herbs. Grilled chicken with a lemon-basil marinade or grilled salmon with a herb butter would be perfect matches.
• Cheese boards: A selection of soft, creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart flavors of the blueberries and the herbal notes of basil. Add some fresh fruit and crackers for a delightful summer spread.
• Salads with fresh berries: A summer salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, fresh blueberries, and a light vinaigrette would complement the flavors of the cocktail beautifully. The drink’s herbal and fruity notes enhance the freshness of the salad.
• Light appetizers: Crostini with basil pesto, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella would mirror the herbaceous and fruity qualities of the cocktail. The tartness of the blueberries and lemon in the drink cuts through the richness of the cheese.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Gin Smash is a classic cocktail that originated in the mid-19th century as a refreshing, summery drink made with gin, mint, sugar, and citrus. Over time, bartenders began experimenting with different herbs and fruits, leading to modern variations like the Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash, which combines the traditional elements of a Smash with contemporary flavors and techniques.

Blueberries, with their sweet-tart flavor and deep purple color, are a popular ingredient in summer cocktails, while basil adds a fresh, herbal note that perfectly complements the gin. The frozen version of this cocktail takes the refreshing nature of the original Smash to the next level, making it ideal for summer sipping.

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Serving Suggestions

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is perfect for summer gatherings, pool parties, or any time you need a refreshing, easy-to-drink cocktail. Its light and fruity profile makes it ideal for outdoor entertaining, and the slushy texture adds a playful element that’s sure to impress guests.

For larger gatherings, you can easily scale up the recipe by preparing the blueberry, basil, gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge, and blend it with ice when you’re ready to serve. Chilling the glasses beforehand will help keep the cocktail frosty for longer.

This cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after blending, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, you can store the blended mixture in the freezer. Just give it a quick stir or re-blend before serving to refresh the texture.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With an ABV of around 8-10%, the Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is a relatively light cocktail, perfect for sipping on a warm day without being overly strong. The ice and fruit juice dilute the gin slightly, making it an easy-going option for summer.

If you’re looking to reduce the alcohol content, you can decrease the amount of gin and add more blueberries or lemon juice to keep the drink flavorful. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the gin with a botanical, alcohol-free spirit, which will maintain the herbal and citrus notes without the alcohol.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work great in this cocktail and can help keep the drink extra cold. If using frozen berries, you may not need as much ice when blending.

Can I make this drink without a blender?
While a blender is the easiest way to achieve the slushy texture, you can make this drink by muddling the blueberries and basil with the other ingredients, shaking it with ice, and then straining it into a glass with crushed ice for a similar effect.

How can I make this cocktail sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, add more simple syrup to taste, or use honey syrup for a slightly richer sweetness that pairs well with the blueberries.

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Printable Recipe Card

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Conclusion

The Blueberry Basil Frozen Gin Smash is the perfect combination of fruity, herbal, and refreshing flavors, making it an ideal summer cocktail. With its vibrant color, frosty texture, and balanced mix of sweet blueberries and fresh basil, this drink is sure to be a hit at any outdoor gathering or lazy afternoon by the pool. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy, it’s a cocktail that embodies the best of summer.