Cucumber Basil Smash

Name: Cucumber Basil Smash
Ingredients: Cucumber Fresh cucumber, muddled — 1/2; Fresh basil leaves — 8-10; Fresh lemon juice — 22.5 ml (3/4 oz); Simple syrup — 15 ml (1/2 oz); Soda water, to top — 60 ml (2 oz)

The Quirky Foodster Team

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (0)

Rocks glass

Glass

Basil leaf and cucumber slice

Garnish

Ingredients

Cucumber Fresh cucumber, muddled — 1/2
Fresh basil leaves — 8-10
Fresh lemon juice — 22.5 ml (3/4 oz)
Simple syrup — 15 ml (1/2 oz)
Soda water, to top — 60 ml (2 oz)

Method

Muddle the cucumber and basil with the syrup and lemon juice.
Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.
Top with soda water.
Garnish with a basil leaf and cucumber slice.

Description: A garden-forward, herbal mocktail modeled on the Gin Basil Smash's structure, built entirely without alcohol.

Cultural Background: Part of the modern produce-forward mocktail movement that grew alongside interest in sophisticated non-alcoholic drinking.

Tips: Muddle firmly to release the basil's oils and the cucumber's juice, then strain well to catch fragments.

Variations: Swap basil for mint for a more classic, less peppery herbal profile.

Serving Suggestion: Serve over ice as a light, refreshing, herbaceous drink.

Nutrition: Approx. 65 kcal per serving

FAQs:

Q: Can I prep the muddled base ahead of time?
A: Muddle and strain in advance, then build individual drinks with fresh ice and soda water to order.